Last Stop:
QWNS
Although QWNS Cafe’s
motto is “Start your day at
the end of the line,” the new
spot’s offerings can feed and
fuel residents all day.
16 FEBRUARY 2 0 1 8
FOOD +DRINK
BY DANIELLE BRODY
Two Astoria-raised hospitality veterans
and friends, Dino Philippou and Tim Pappas,
partnered to develop this fast-casual
organic cafe at the base of the Astoria-
Ditmars stop. The name, a play off the train
line, which changed when the W was added
in 2016, touches on the cafe’s communitydriven
mission.
Philippou said he and Pappas created this
cafe to give back to the neighborhood and
offer something new.
“We just believed that we need something
like this because of the demographic,”
Philippou said. “This concept is right for
the community."
The cafe serves health-conscious breakfast,
entrees, baked goods, coffee and togo
items.
It had its soft opening Monday, Jan. 15,
but the two owners started developing the
cafe about two years ago. The friends each
have more than 20 years’ experience in hospitality.
Philippou owned Cavo, a nightclub
on 31st Avenue, which closed about a year
ago, and Pappas held leadership roles at
upscale eateries in Manhattan like Avra Estiatorio
and Estiatorio Milos.
Last March, chef Michael Romano, who
owns a restaurant consulting group, joined
the team to develop a wholesome and re-