Circle M Diner Turns the Page: A Fresh Chapter for a Wantagh Landmark After 50 years of serving up comfort food and community spirit, Circle M Diner in Wantagh is entering a bold new era—without losing its soul.
The iconic Circle M Diner, located at 1132 Wantagh Ave., has been a South Shore staple since 1975, when brothers John and Nick Tsotsos transformed it into a beloved neighborhood gathering spot. Known for its classic diner fare and warm hospitality, the Circle M has long been a place where generations of locals came for pancakes, burgers, and heart-to-heart conversations over coffee.
Now, the spatula has been passed to Ari Santis and John Galatoulas, two seasoned restaurateurs with deep diner roots and a modern vision. Santis has worked in diners since age 17, while Galatoulas brings experience from the Burgerology restaurant group. Their goal? Preserve the heart, elevate the experience.
“We’re keeping the Circle M name because the community loves it,” Galatoulas told Greater Long Island. “We just want to take it up a notch.”
🥞 What’s New on the Menu
The new owners are rolling out “modern updates” alongside the classics:
- Avocado toast, quinoa bowls, and fruit smoothies
- Crepes, banana Nutella pancakes, and mixed berry stacks
- Extended hours until 11 p.m., perfect for late-night bites
And yes, the legendary Mykonos salad is staying put.
📖 Full menu updates will be available soon—check their Facebook page or follow their evolving story on Instagram.
🎥 Watch the Diner’s Evolution
- Long Island diner celebrates its 50th birthday A heartfelt look at Circle M’s anniversary celebration, complete with $5 specials and loyal customers braving the rain.
- 50 Years of Circle M Diner: A Local Treasure A TikTok tribute to the diner’s legacy and its role in Suffolk County’s dining scene.
- The Rolling Joint: Late Night Grub Haven at Wantagh Train … While not about Circle M directly, this video highlights Wantagh’s late-night food culture—something Circle M is now embracing with extended hours.
- We’re exploring the best diners in #NassauCounty to visit with … A family-friendly roundup that includes Circle M as a top breakfast spot for kids and parents alike.
🕰️ A Legacy Worth Preserving
The Tsotsos brothers officially handed over the keys on Sunday, Nov. 2, with the new menu launching the following Monday morning. The new team is also improving signage, lighting, and parking clarity—small touches that make a big difference.
“You can’t put a price tag on what this place means to the community,” Galatoulas said. “It’s the evolution of the Circle M.”
Whether you’re a longtime regular or a first-time visitor, the Circle M Diner is ready to welcome you with open arms—and maybe a side of banana Nutella pancakes.
