“He was more than my father. He was truly my best friend,” he said.
Many of the personal things Chafoulias did for people were never made public, like the news of his many prominent development projects. There were always quiet stories of him forgiving rent payments until a store could get on its feet, or giving a young entrepreneur free office space to start a business.
Retired restaurateur Jeff Eastman, who managed the Centerplace Galleria mall for 18 years, remembers Chafoulias as more than a boss.
“He actually is the man who saved my life. He and others met with me one day, and he asked, Do you know why we’re here? ” Eastman said. “I said, ‘You probably want me to quit drinking. He said, I’m here, because I care. ”