Our family was among the many who knew and loved Andy from the neighborhood -- first as the welcome, warm face of Gee Whiz, and then at Tribeca Kitchen, where he brought many of the familiar waiters and waitresses with him, because they were "family." We always joked about each others' sons -- he called mine Big Trouble and Little Trouble and I called his Legal Eagle once he went to law school -- and our affection for one another was apparent without saying a word. When I was working on a TV show, and we needed a diner location, there was no question about going to Andy, and his saying of course, whatever you need, generosity was his natural instinct. And when we were shooting, and there was a family of tourists from Sweden who were curiously watching, he asked if we could put the two Swedish kids in the scene as background because he knew it would be a memorable moment for them. Their thrill was his thrill. God, it's upsetting to hear this news. This hits home, literally. — Kevi Kaufman on Andy Koutsoudakis Sr., owner of Tribeca’s Kitchen, dies from the coronavirus

The best of the best- Andy- a smile - a laugh-a joyful presence. He gave because it was the right thing to do, no questions asked. My condolences to his family and to all us is who will miss this blessed being. — Pat DeMarco on Andy Koutsoudakis Sr., owner of Tribeca’s Kitchen, dies from the coronavirus

I couldn’t bring myself to read the article. Heartbroken — Andrea on Andy Koutsoudakis Sr., owner of Tribeca’s Kitchen, dies from the coronavirus

We're heartbroken. From the early 80s when we lived in BPC and I discovered Gee Whiz (there's a real diner in Tribeca!), to the morning the neighborhood got power back after Sandy and Gee Whiz was open and serving, to 2 weeks ago when we had dinner at Tribeca's Kitchen right before the closures, Andy's restaurants have been our go-to place. He was so generous and welcoming over the years to our family. When my son was in high school and had an Economics assignment to interview a small business owner Andy spent more than 2 hours with him, much longer than expected, explaining both the rewards and difficulties of operating a restaurant. Rest in peace Andy. To Andy's family, I pray that your happy memories provide you some peace in this difficult time. — NV on Andy Koutsoudakis Sr., owner of Tribeca’s Kitchen, dies from the coronavirus

Heartbroken beyond words. We started getting the news about Andy yesterday and nobody wanted to believe it. A living smile is the only way I can describe Andy. We live literally across the street and were always in and out. He's not just a business, he's a friend and "family." There are just no way to describe the hole in this entire community without him being a part of our lives. Our deepest love and condolences to his family. God Bless HIm Forever. — Jean Grillo on Andy Koutsoudakis Sr., owner of Tribeca’s Kitchen, dies from the coronavirus

What a incredible loss for our community! Andy, you watched my children grow! You treated everyone with so much love and respect! I can’t believe we were talking about this virus 2 weeks ago. I am incredibly sad and I will miss you greeting me every time I came to Tribeca’s Kitchen! Andy, you will be forever missed. To your family, you will be in my prayers and I’m so incredibly sorry for you loss! We lost an amazing human! — Adriana Keiser on Andy Koutsoudakis Sr., owner of Tribeca’s Kitchen, dies from the coronavirus

this news is so shocking. Our hearts go out to Andy's family in this very trying time, we send our heartfelt condolences. We have looked forward to Andy's smile for years when visiting Tribeca's Kitchen. We traded fishing stories and stories of Greece and Hawaii. We will FOREVER remember his sincerity, his grace, his smile, warmth, honesty and expertise. I feel as though I just lost a dear friend. May you always have a big fish on the line, calm seas and sunny days. We will miss you probably more than you know, - you cared about each of your customers so dearly, and you treated us like your own family. Jan L. Shane Y. — Jan Lee on Andy Koutsoudakis Sr., owner of Tribeca’s Kitchen, dies from the coronavirus

Rest in Peace dear Andy. Your warm smile and enthusiastic generosity towards the children and families of Tribeca and BPC will never be forgotten. From Day One you were always ready to help out. God Bless you and your family. You will be greatly missed. — Susan on Andy Koutsoudakis Sr., owner of Tribeca’s Kitchen, dies from the coronavirus

I do not live in NY but my condolences to his family and all the other people who cherished him may his kind acts and love for all go before him may he Rest In Peace — Barbara Warner on Andy Koutsoudakis Sr., owner of Tribeca’s Kitchen, dies from the coronavirus

Sending deepest condolences to the family for the loss of their beloved father, grandfather and husband. May his memory be a blessing to you always. — Raisa Romaelle on Andy Koutsoudakis Sr., owner of Tribeca’s Kitchen, dies from the coronavirus

There are no words. Andy is truly irreplaceable person - he always made everything better with his big heart and smile. He will be missed. Love and condolences to the family. — Demetri on Andy Koutsoudakis Sr., owner of Tribeca’s Kitchen, dies from the coronavirus

This is heartbraking news. Andy was a fixture of the community and a visible symbol of a community within a community. His warmth and kindness and smile is what Caroline and our boys and I will remember. Condolences to the extended family. — Paul Mutter on Andy Koutsoudakis Sr., owner of Tribeca’s Kitchen, dies from the coronavirus

On the first day Andy opened we walked in and our friendships were sealed. We shared our fates and fortunes and love for all these years with Andy. This summer we were to visit an ancient monastery in greece together,it was our dream,it was all planned. This hole in my life and my heart will never be filled. Yes he will be forever fishing, hope is always bountiful. With love to his family and staff. — Charlie and Susan on Andy Koutsoudakis Sr., owner of Tribeca’s Kitchen, dies from the coronavirus

I am just gutted. This is a catastrophic loss. Andy was such a warm, generous, loving, optimistic man. He stood for everything our city and the world needs more of. He would always let me work on the third level so I could write without distractions and then magically - a black and white cookie would arrive on the house. We would sit and talk about his family here and in Greece and how he would light up at the thought of them all. I couldn't walk past the restaurant without tapping on the glass to wave and say hi. He would give you that big smile and wave and you would carry his good energy with you the rest of the day. I can't imagine this neighborhood without him. I can't imagine the grief his family and friends are going through. I can think of no better way to remember a man than to say - he made your day better. He made your community better. To his family - you have my deepest condolences. My heart is with you and just know that so many of us loved him and cherished him and his gentle, kind spirit. He made us all love living in New York a little more and he comforted us with his company as much as his food and lifted our spirits with his warm presence. Andy made you feel like family - as if he was everyone's favorite uncle. Andy, oh man Andy we will miss you so much. Travel easy my friend. Next time we meet, the black and white's on me. Adio Andy. — FRANK JOHN HUGHES on Andy Koutsoudakis Sr., owner of Tribeca’s Kitchen, dies from the coronavirus

I literally cried as I created this video tribute yesterday...you never think it will touch someone you care about. Andy was so much more than a client...we always greeted each other with a hearty "Hello, My Friend!" and a double cheek kiss....his smile was infectious and he was incredibly kind-earted. He will be missed terribly by so many. #STAYHOME — Tif on Andy Koutsoudakis Sr., owner of Tribeca’s Kitchen, dies from the coronavirus

i am crushed. he was genuinely one of the most wonderful people that ever walked this earth — nicki on Andy Koutsoudakis Sr., owner of Tribeca’s Kitchen, dies from the coronavirus

I cannot believe this. He was truly a wonderful man, always at the door welcoming us in, always a smile on his face. Anytime we went in he came to our table, asked my husband and I how our family was and always told us about his family who he loved dearly. Was so happy when the new baby was born. He will be greatly missed. Our deepest condolences to his entire family. — Lorraine Fittipaldi on Andy Koutsoudakis Sr., owner of Tribeca’s Kitchen, dies from the coronavirus

Andy was a good man. He always thought of others. He always greeted us in his restaurant and treated us like family. Sorry to learn of his passing. May God great him in heaven with loving arms. — Colleen and Ed wallach on Andy Koutsoudakis Sr., owner of Tribeca’s Kitchen, dies from the coronavirus

God has just pulled up one of the greatest patriots our country has been honored to have. I am heart broken but truly privileged to have such an honorable man as a friend. His footprint is indelible and Andy has touched so many lives with his kindness - including the First Responder community which he supported strongly. His beautiful family is a testament to his greatness, and I will truly miss this great man. So many fond memories in Gee Whiz and the Tribeca Kitchen, thanks to Andy's compassion and friendship. God bless you, my friend, and your beautiful memory. Andy, you are a true giant. — Jon Adler on Andy Koutsoudakis Sr., owner of Tribeca’s Kitchen, dies from the coronavirus

We are heartbroken. When we first heard that he had passed, we didn't want to believe it. We hoped it was a mistake. For us, Andy was a grounding force. When the news of the day felt overwhelming, Andy was there with his bright, warm smile, and a hearty welcome, and the trickle-down effect of his kindness and leadership was expressed by his lovely staff. On days when we were just passing by, Andy would step out and ask us how we were doing, and he'd share his thoughts about what was on his mind. We'd talk about changes that were taking place in the neighborhood... If anyone in Andy's family is reading this, please know that he made our days brighter. We respected Andy for his generosity, and kindness, and his ability to keep on keepin' on, even as it's become increasingly difficult for independent restaurants to survive in Manhattan. We will not forget him, and the neighborhood will never feel the same without Andy. Our hearts are with you. — Kimberly M. Wang on Andy Koutsoudakis Sr., owner of Tribeca’s Kitchen, dies from the coronavirus

My heart goes out to his family and to his wonderful and kind staff. Andy was always so incredibly gracious to my family. My kids would always say let’s go see Andy when we would be deciding where to go for lunch. You will be so so missed. — TriBeCa mom on Andy Koutsoudakis Sr., owner of Tribeca’s Kitchen, dies from the coronavirus

Andy was a great, loving presence in our neighborhood. Always made us feel welcome. Tribeca's Kitchen was a great gathering spot on Sundays, full of laughter and children and families. And that was because of Andy. We will miss his smile, his joyous nature. Condolences to his family. — Eric Bogosian on Andy Koutsoudakis Sr., owner of Tribeca’s Kitchen, dies from the coronavirus

Losing Andy’s sense of humor, kindness, and smiling face will leave a large hole in our community. May he Rest In Peace. — Mominnabe on Andy Koutsoudakis Sr., owner of Tribeca’s Kitchen, dies from the coronavirus

This is so heartbreaking. Andy was the nicest, warmest person and always was so nice to our kids even though they made a huge mess in the restaurant. This sucks — Mark Fortner on Andy Koutsoudakis Sr., owner of Tribeca’s Kitchen, dies from the coronavirus

Yes, that's it! — Tribeca Citizen on Where in Tribeca?