He’s a real American gyro.
A star-spangled Long Island diner owner surprised eaters who woke up before 4 a.m. to be part of a special Fourth of July Fox & Friends live shoot on site by paying for every single one of their meals out of an unrivaled love of the USA.
“Our kitchen went through seven cases of eggs – there’s 30 dozen in each case. We fed a few thousand,” Embassy Diner owner Gus Tsiorvas told The Post.
“It’s the most beautiful thing in the world to see so many people gather around for the birth of our country. That’s why we’re the greatest in the world.”
The popular Tsiorvas – he has even addressed Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on small-business issues – had the phrase “America’s Most Patriotic Diner” trademarked and printed T-shirts that he often hands out to guests.
“I was always instilled as a little kid – patriotism, patriotism, patriotism,” he said.
“I love this country.”
Tsiorvas has been a firm believer in the American dream ever since his father, Peter, emigrated “from the middle of Greece with absolutely nothing” decades ago.
“If it weren’t for this country, he wouldn’t be where he is,” Tsiorvas said of his dad, who still helps out with the Bethpage diner.
Tsiorvas also runs the restaurant with more of his family, who also work as first responders, and has dedicated the diner as “a safe haven” for police, fire, EMS, and hospital workers.
Former Nassau police officer Craig Kasin said there was no better place to celebrate the holiday as a longtime member of law enforcement.
“If everything was like this, I think the country would be okay,” he said.
Kasin tragically lost his hockey star son, Connor, to an unknown heart condition in 2024 and said Tsiorvas immediately stepped in to fundraise and sponsor for the foundation named in honor of the teen.
“It’s always like home here,” Kasin said. “The home of the brave.”
Tsiorvas became a Long Island icon not only for generosity, but for over-the-top seasonal decorations at the diner, especially on Independence Day.
“We go all out for every holiday – but Fourth of July is my favorite,” Tsiorvas said.
This time he went even bigger.
The celebration featured World War II tanks, pipe bands, three separate impersonators for Donald Trump, George Washington, and Uncle Sam, a Nassau Police helicopter flyover, and a massive American flag draped by fire trucks on nearby Hempstead Turnpike.
Dozens happily endured the heatwave for overflow outdoor parking lot tables to be part of the fun, while Fox host Carley Shimkus did live look-ins with the crowd from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m.
The diner left its indoor counter space reserved for a handful of veterans who are regulars at the eatery, including 101-year-old World War II Army infantryman Charlie Falco.
“I love America,” said the super senior who eats for free almost every day at the diner.
“He comes here sometimes twice a day,” Tsiorvas said.
“I will not take a dime for him…That man shouldn’t pay for anything in his lifetime,” added the man who got airspace closed to host a 9/11 tribute drone show last September.
Nassau County executive and GOP gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman also couldn’t help but admire the abundance of American allegiance from his residents who woke at the crack of dawn.
“We have probably more veterans per square mile than any place in America,” Blakeman told The Post.
“We have very patriotic people, but let me tell you something, I think there are a lot of patriotic people in New York City too. I think the small percent that hate America, those people are the ones that are the squeaky wheel.”
Blakeman also praised Tsiorvas for keeping his thermostat well below 78 on the scorching day – a dig at NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Governor Kathy Hochul’s pleading with New Yorkers to miserably keep temps up during the heat dome for energy reasons.
“There’s no other place I’d rather be than with Gus at the Embassy Diner.”
