- December 15, 2025
George Nikitas went from peeling potatoes to owning his own restaurant.
He’s been working on his feet since he bought the sandwich and pizza shop 36 years ago from owners who only lasted a month in the restaurant business. Lucky for Nikitas, he’s been in it for quite awhile.
“I’ve been working in a kitchen since I was 6 years old,” Nikitas said. “I’m a third generation restaurant owner and I grew up in the food business. My first job was peeling potatoes at Seaside Coffee Shop in Daytona Beach.”
Nikitas’ family owned a few diner-style restaurants like Seaside and though he didn’t necessarily intend to stay in the industry, his tough work ethic led him to Mr. Wich.
“It just kind of happened,” Nikitas chuckled. “I worked in other restaurants in high school and after I graduated. But it’s just the way it is, you keep working.”
After three decades of success, Nikitas doesn’t believe in a secret ingredient to staying in business. Just good, old fashion, hard work.
“I have quite a few customers that have been coming ever since we opened,” Nikitas said. “I just do my own thing and continue on doing it. I don’t worry about anybody else. I don’t worry about competition. It’s a lot of hard work, but any business you get into will be like that. You get it out of it whatever you put in. No matter what line of occupation you’re in, it’s always work.”
His long work hours and ability to keep on his feet for all these years has come with a price. 17 years ago, Nikitas had knee problems and had to have his knee replaced. Though hard work could be to blame for his surgery, it hasn’t slowed him down. And at age 67, he doesn’t plan on slowing down anytime soon.
“It’s just the way I am,” Nikitas said. “I’m not one to be sitting down and not working. As long as my health will let me do it, I’ll do it.”
