Demetrios “James” Fifis was born on the Greek Island of Andros in 1939. Before making the trip to America in 1966, Jimmy began his career in food service while working for the Merchant Marines. Shortly after arriving in this country, he started working for his brother’s restaurant, washing dishes - The same restaurant that would one day become known as Ponzios.

While working his way up through the ranks Jimmy met and married his lifelong love, Violetta. Together they raised three strong young men; Chris, John and Nick Fifis. All three of the boys learned the restaurant industry from their father and in early 2000 they realized their lifelong dream of becoming partners with the man they so loved and respected.

“ Loved and respect” are two words that perfectly describe the feelings so many people have for Jimmy Fifis. Being a very “hands-on” type of owner, he was always at the restaurant, pitching in wherever he was needed; whether it was washing dishes, cooking food, even sweeping up, nothing was “below” this man. And that dedication did not go unnoticed by those who worked alongside of him and by those who came to the restaurant time and time again to eat. Jimmy respected each employee and customer as he would anyone in his family, and in return that love and respect was returned to him tenfold.

Sadly, on August 22, 2007 the Fifis family and the Cherry Hill community lost a truly dedicated business man and friend. After several years of a tough fight, Demetrios “James” Fifis lost his battle with cancer. The love he had for his restaurant and the community was plainly visible to all, as nearly 1,000 patrons, politicians, employees (past and present), family, and friends came to his viewing to wish him well on his journey back home to God.

As a final show of respect, traffic was temporarily halted by the Cherry Hill Police Department, so that the funeral procession could circle the restaurant that made up so much of this man’s life, one last time. As the hearse came around to the front of the building, each and every waitress, manager, dishwasher, and bus boy left their post for just a minute, to stand in silence on the front step to bid their beloved boss a fond farewell.

While Demetrios “Jimmy” Fifis has left us in body, his spirit will remain with us forever, as part of the diner he so loved and cherished.