Chris Sakoufakis, who owned the restaurant alongside his father, said the family has been “inundated with calls and messages” from patrons past and present all over the world since the business announced it would be closed following Kosta’s death.
“They just always remembered Dad’s smile and his welcome,” he said.
“His family and the Green Parrot were the most important things to him, he really cared about his customers and was always happy to see people and even during the hard times, he was still positive and full of energy.
“He’d always greet everyone coming through, doesn’t matter if they’re young or old, and he’d always make time for them.”
Arriving in the capital in 1958 from Greece, Wellington represented a “land of opportunity” for Kosta after experiencing hard times post-war in Europe, Chris said.
As a young 18-year-old, he worked at his uncle’s milk bar, the Rosanna on Willis St, for a decade, where he started cooking and learning his trade.
By 1987 he took over the Green Parrot, and continued running the restaurant, which celebrates its centenary this year.
“He loved everything about this city,” Chris said, “he was a true Wellingtonian.”
Under his stewardship, the eatery became known for its no-frills 1930s fare, serving its famously large portions late into the night to politicians and Courtenay Place party-goers alike.
New Zealand First leader Winston Peters, whose love for the restaurant has been well-documented, paid tribute to Kosta with a post on social media, saying he “was always a gracious and kind person who put all of his energy and spirit into the Green Parrot”.
“Thoughts and prayers to his family and friends on this seriously sad news,” Peters said.
“He will be deeply missed.”
New Zealand First’s caucus recently hosted the Parliamentary Press Gallery for a reportedly delightful dinner at the restaurant.
Prime Ministers from Sir Robert Muldoon to Dame Jacinda Ardern have enjoyed the Green Parrot’s grilled meats and stacks of white bread and butter.
As for what his death means for the business, which was briefly put on the market in recent years, Chris said it will be closed while the family grieves, but he is determined to keep it going into the future.
“We will continue his legacy, I think it’s important not only for him, but for Wellington and the hospitality scene that we can continue to do his work.”
In March, The Herald visited the venue to sit down with Kosta and Chris to discuss 100 years in business.
“I love it,” he said, asked whether he still enjoyed working at 86.
“Wellington is paradise,” he said.
A funeral service will be held at Wellington’s Greek Orthodox Church, Cathedral of the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary, this Thursday at 11am.
Ethan Manera is a Wellington-based journalist covering Wellington issues, local politics and business in the capital. He can be emailed at ethan.manera@nzme.co.nz.