Have you ever thought about it? What was the oldest registered company in Greece? Picture would give you a hint.
A restaurant in Austria with a year of establishment in 803, a winery in Germany (862) and two banks in France (864) and Britain (886) are the businesses that go back over a millennium in Europe and are the oldest in the region. The aforementioned branches as shown in the relevant map are the ones that have the greatest timelessness in the Old Continent. It is recalled that the oldest chain in the world is WHSmith with a history of 227 years and presence in our country.
In our country a business has managed to have a history greater than that of the modern state itself and continue to offer its services for 234 years. This is the Forlis coffee shop in Lafkos, Pelion. The café is located in the central square of the village in a newly renovated (thankfully) two-storey stone mansion.
According to Mr. Manolis, who is a 7th generation grandson of the original Forlis owner, the cafe has its story. Many famous Greeks like Alexander Papadiamantis have in the past came here.
Although the inn no longer works, Mr. Manolis ,his current owner, continues to serve daily, traditional Greek coffee in an atmosphere that has maintained its charm unchanged over the years. The café was created by his grandfather and his whole life is inextricably linked to this: “I was born here, I grew up here, and I stay here”.
Its opening hours remain the same, with no change from generation to generation, from 6.30am to 12pm and from 4pm until late at night, serving coffee and soft drinks, serving as a meeting place. And of course, in this one finds what he could find in a business of this kind: wicker chairs, Pelion marble tables and a wood stove for the winter.
