The Ninos family has owned and operated the “Jet” for 73 years
By Andrew Harris
At this point, millions of people have eaten at the Collegiate over the decades. College kids, professors, parents, alumni, and residents filled the historic eatery. A tragic fire in 2009 destroyed the original location, but the Ninos family rebuilt a more modern, stand alone location on Main Street. The re-incarnated “Jet” features a large front porch dining area that is typically full of customers.
As posted on the Collegiate Facebook page yesterday:
“In 1949, Michael Ninos bought the Collegiate from Nick Moritis. In 1950, Michael then sold the restaurant to his son, John Ninos & his wife, Angela. John and Angie ran the restaurant for 46 years.
In 1996, they sold the restaurant to their son John & his wife Chelly. George Kafadalis started the Collegiate in 1924, when the restaurant was located at 7 N. Main St. until the block fire in 2009. It was then relocated to its current location at 31 N. Main St. The Collegiate Restaurant has been serving the Alfred community, students of Alfred University & ASC, family and friends breakfast, lunch, & dinners for many years, and have made many friends. Although it is sad for our family, it is time for us to retire. Unfortunately, there are no more Ninos’ to take it on. It is time for another family to continue its legacy.”
Interested in the future of the Collegiate ? Contact the owner, john.ninos@gmail.com
