Greeks in Charlotte

Greeks, Language and Southern Tradition

Greek family celebrations such as this 1954 gathering brought together multiple generations. Photo courtesy of Paula Stathakis.

Greek immigrants began arriving in Charlotte in the early 1900s. Until recently, they were Charlotte's main immigrant group.

Greeks adapted quickly to Southern ways — especially Southern cooking. Many of Charlotte's beloved old Southern restaurants are Greek-run.

New arrivals often spoke limited English. At home, in social gatherings, and at services at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral on East Boulevard, Greek remained the preferred language.

The second generation learned English at school. They moved easily between Greek and English, and often peppered their Greek with English-derived words such as "Ice Creamy," "Footbollo" and "Picynici."

By the third generation, English had become the dominant language.