Hellenic hospitality at its finest
Zante is a celebration of Hellenic hospitality, offering a dining experience centered around authentic Mediterranean cuisine, heartfelt service, and the timeless tradition of sharing a meal with family and friends.
- Meet our Team -
Bob Pilarinos, Owner
Bob’s journey in hospitality began long before he imagined creating restaurants of his own. Raised in a family deeply rooted in the restaurant industry, he started working alongside his father, Dennis Pilarinos, at just thirteen years old as a busboy and dishwasher. Dennis, who immigrated from Greece, built a family legacy through restaurants including Columbia Diner in Hudson, New York, Plaza Diner in Hudson, and Ambrosia Diner in Catskill. From an early age, he learned the values of hard work, hospitality, and perseverance by experiencing every corner of the business firsthand.
Over time, he worked both front and back of house, taking on everything from bussing tables and washing dishes to cooking and guest service. Although hospitality had become a major part of his life, he initially imagined a different path. While attending Manhattan College, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Finance in 2001, he planned to pursue a career outside of the restaurant industry. It was also during college that he met his wife, Alaina.
After graduation, he remained hesitant to join the family business full time. When his father offered him a partnership in Plaza Diner, he agreed to what he intended to be only a six-month trial. By the end of those six months, however, he discovered that the business had become something far more meaningful—a career built around family, relationships, and taking care of people. Somewhere along the way, Alaina may have played a role in making sure that six-month experiment became a permanent one.
As part of the family partnership, he went on to help lead Plaza Diner in Hudson while continuing a tradition that had become woven into his family’s identity. Over time, the family business continued to grow and evolve, eventually expanding to include Capitol City Diner in Albany and Ambrosia Diner in Queensbury, with multiple generations and family members helping shape its continued success.
Following the passing of his father, he felt called to pursue a more personal vision—one inspired by his family’s roots and the traditions that shaped him. Drawn by the culture, cuisine, and spirit of Zakynthos, Greece—known affectionately as “Zante”—he set out to create a restaurant that honored both his heritage and his father’s legacy.
Today, family remains at the center of his life. Alongside Alaina, their children Anastasia, Dionysus, and Aristotle, and now his grandson Matheos, he hopes to continue passing down the same values and traditions that shaped him growing up.
For him, restaurants have always been about more than serving meals. They are places where people gather, stories are shared, and connections are built across generations. Zante is an opportunity to carry those traditions forward while creating a place that reflects the warmth, family, and hospitality that have defined his life from the very beginning.
Christopher Cropsey,
General Manager
Christopher’s journey in hospitality has been shaped by his lifelong appreciation for culture, music, and the connections created through shared experiences. While pursuing a degree in Violin Performance at the Longy School of Music, he worked in restaurants to support his studies. What began as a practical job quickly grew into a passion—and ultimately, a lifelong career.
Over the years, Christopher gained experience across a variety of restaurants and leadership roles. It was at Athos Restaurant, however, where he discovered the philosophy of philoxenia—the Greek tradition of generous hospitality and treating guests as welcomed friends. During nearly a decade leading Athos, he developed a deep belief that hospitality extends beyond food and service; it is about creating meaningful experiences and bringing people together.
After continuing his leadership journey as Maître d’ at the Fort Orange Club, Christopher joined Zante as General Manager, drawn by its vision and strong connection to Greek culture and hospitality.
For Christopher, food, wine, culture, and hospitality are inseparable. His goal is simple: to create memorable experiences and ensure every guest feels genuinely welcomed, valued, and eager to return.
Christoher Euripidou, Executive Chef
Born and raised in Rotterdam, New York, Christopher Euripidou grew up in a family of restaurateurs, learning the fundamentals of hospitality and cooking in his family’s diner at an early age.
A formative summer spent in Cyprus introduced him to the tradition of philoxenia—the spirit of generosity and hospitality that remains at the heart of his culinary philosophy today. Inspired by the vibrant food, family gatherings, and simple, high-quality ingredients he experienced there, Chris developed a lifelong passion for Greek and Mediterranean cuisine.
After earning a degree in Computer Engineering from Villanova University, Chris followed his true calling to the culinary world, graduating from Johnson & Wales University and completing advanced training at Molyvos, one of New York City’s premier Greek restaurants.
With more than two decades of experience leading kitchens, developing menus, and serving the Capital Region, Chris brings a deep respect for tradition alongside a commitment to quality and hospitality. As Executive Chef of Zante, he is dedicated to creating memorable dining experiences that celebrate the flavors, culture, and warmth of Greece and Cyprus.