1424. What a name for a place of business! When people, who
don’t know about our restaurant, are told the name of the
restaurant--they usually ask for the name to be repeated. But there is a story behind that name. When Bob O’Farrell was trying to name this restaurant, he couldn't think of a name and no one else could offer any suitable suggestions. Being a bit perplexed, Bob looked out over the rustic antique door to the street number 1424. These letters just beamed out, and so 1424 was born. So on October 2003, 1424 began and has been in operation ever since. In July 2007, the ownership of 1424 was changed over to Aris Galanis. Aris dedicated himself to bringing 1424's customers the same great cuisine they had always enjoyed. New specials have also been added from lamb shanks to étouffée. Aris is committed to serving only the best. Many people already knew Aris Galanis as the owner of another popular restaurant—Yianni’s in West which is located about 15 minutes North of Waco on Interstate 35. Sadly, Yianni’s last day of business was on October 28th, 2007 after serving for 5 years. Now the family can be together in Waco and focus all their attention on 1424. READ: Waco Tribune Article You can see Yianni’s website also: www.yiannisrestaurant.com. Aris, his wife Kelly, and their three children moved to Texas in 2000 from Rhodes, Greece where they had lived for 16 years. Previous to this, Aris had already lived in Texas. He attended Abilene Christian University in 1978. There he met his wife and then they moved to Greece in 1984. In Greece, Aris was a business owner of two meat markets. His experience from cutting meats and making smoked meats has only made him better at what he does now. Also, before opening Yianni's, he was the seafood manager for H.E.B. Read on about some history of Rhodes around the time of 1424  Aris’s homeland of Rhodes, Greece, is a breathtaking place. If you love history, both ancient and medieval, Rhodes is the place. This beautiful island is southeast of Athens and borders along Turkey. It is situated where the Mediterranean and Aegean Seas meet. With a mild climate, unique and varied landscape, a wonderful sea, and monuments from all periods, it is no wonder that so many tourists travel there today. It is formerly the site of one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient World—the Colossus of Rhodes. The date 1424 had significance to the occupants of Rhodes. That year, the Crusaders (the Order of the Knights of Saint John) made their home in Rhodes. Rhodes was an important religious, commercial, and political center. Rhodes held an important strategic position for the Crusaders. Many frequent attempts were made by the Turks to capture the island. Nevertheless, the Crusaders fought off invaders' attempts for 200 years. When the Knights ruled Rhodes, the island became the most powerful place in the Eastern Mediterranean. They left imposing evidence of their presence, and gave the city the particular character which remains to this day. Within Rhodes is a fascinating medieval city completely enclosed by massive walls nearly five miles long. The medieval part of the city offers a unique opportunity to stroll the narrow, stone-paved streets surrounded by 15th century buildings, arches, flying buttresses, and fountains. The Street of the Knights is the finest example of a late Gothic street found anywhere in Europe.  The knights were divided into 7 national groups from other
European countries such as England, Italy, Germany, and
France. The official language between the knights was Latin
and French. During their stay the Knights of Saint John
built and restored at least 30 castles or strong points, but
the main prowess came from within the Old Town, a castle
enclosed by a 4 kilometer thick circuit of wall and a moat.
During times of attack or siege each group of knights were
allotted to a section for defense. The island finally fell
to the Turks in 1522 and the Knights of Rhodes were allowed
to depart to Crete, and a large number of Greeks (4 to 5
thousand) followed them. In the end, the Knights of Saint
John established themselves in Malta. |
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