Cyprus Restaurant Supply has been serving the Southeast since 1946 when Jack Canedclides Sr. opened the business after World War II with an initial investment of $300.  At that time, his only product was butcher knives, which he sold from his home on Chestnut Avenue in Plaza-Midwood.

             In 1950, Caneclides moved the business to College Street, and there is remained until 1965, when the company relocated to 1431 Bryant Street, where it remained for 40 years.  All the while, it consistently provided durable restaurant supplies such as cooking and holding equipment, refrigeration and sink units, china, glassware and flatware, and steam trays.

             In late 2007 Jack Sr.’s son, Jack Jr., moved the company again, this time to a new 15,000-square-foot headquarters at 3829 Barringer Dr.  With 5,000 additional square feet, the new location is able to showcase even more products that it sells, services, delivers and installs.

             What has not changed at Cyprus is the people.  For example, Kim Scott, an employee for 18 years, still efficiently runs the office.  A 13-year veteran of the restaurant supply business, Tracy Thomas has been with Cyprus for 3 years, designing layouts and working with architects to see what pieces of equipment a restaurant will need.

             Jack Jr., a U.S. Air Force veteran of the Korean War, began his career working for the FBI.  However, the annual salary was less than $2000, which even in 1948 was a paltry amount.  So he followed his father into the family business.

             He is now married to Lafata, a woman he met in 1948 and married 50 years later in 1998.  He’s 79 years old now and still comes to work eery day at the business he obviously loves. Call him at 704-375-3768.  He will be happy to show you around the new facility.