John Payiavlas: Founder of the largest independently owned and operated food service company in the United States

AVI FoodSystems Inc. is the official food provider for the Pro Football Hall of Fame and Johnson Controls Hall of Fame Village. 

John Payiavlas is the founder of the largest independently owned and operated food service company in the United States, the “AVI FoodSystems Inc.” which was built from humble beginnings.

Payiavlas is a son of immigrants. It all began when he and his family, trying to live the American dream, opened a small diner in Warren, Ohio with the name “Village Café”. An acquaintance presented an opportunity to purchase a few vending machines which was an opportunity Payiavlas quickly seized.

The company in the mid ‘80s entered new geographic markets as it also added business dining and catering services. Colleges and universities, healthcare facilities were among the first clients and now Payiavlas company serves some of the most widely known and recognized businesses, universities, healthcare and leisure facilities in the world.

In 1997 AVI’s Culinary Support Center is able to produce 100,000 units of production in one day and invested in PocketSwab technology to ensure the highest food sanitation standards are upheld.

Payiavlas served as Chairman of “Leadership 100” from 2004 to 2006. He is also an Archon Depoutatos of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the highest honor in all Christendom, dating back to the fourth century, as well as a member of AHEPA and other community and business organizations. 

In 2000, Payiavlas was inducted into the Inside Business Hall of Fame for his generous and tireless contribution to the hospitality industry.