Tributes are pouring in as Baltimore mourns the tragic loss of a community staple and business leader. Costas N. Triantafilos, the beloved owner of Costas Inn restaurant, passed away on Monday, March 24, 2025, leaving behind a legacy that touched countless lives in the region. His death, attributed to apparent carbon monoxide poisoning, has sent shockwaves through the tight-knit community that regarded him not just as a restaurateur, but as a friend, mentor, and symbol of resilience.
The incident unfolded in the early hours of Monday morning when Baltimore County Fire Department crews responded to a call reporting a cardiac arrest at a residence in the 11200 block of Old Carriage Road in Glen Arm. Upon arrival, firefighters quickly realized the situation was far more dire. Air monitoring equipment detected dangerously high levels of carbon monoxide, a silent and odorless gas that can prove lethal in enclosed spaces. Inside the home, they found Triantafilos, 85, and an unidentified woman, both unresponsive. Crews worked swiftly to remove them from the hazardous environment, but Triantafilos did not survive. The woman, whose identity has not been released, was transported to a local hospital, where she remains in critical condition as of Tuesday morning.
Investigators determined that the source of the carbon monoxide was a vehicle left running in an attached garage. The exhaust fumes had seeped into the home, creating a deadly buildup that went undetected until it was too late. Fire officials have emphasized the importance of carbon monoxide detectors in homes, noting that this tragedy underscores the critical need for such safety measures. While the Baltimore County Fire Department has not officially identified Triantafilos as the deceased, his son, Nick Triantafilos, confirmed the heartbreaking news to local media, cementing the loss felt across the city.
Costas Inn, the restaurant Triantafilos founded in 1971, has long been more than just a place to eat. Located at 4100 North Point Boulevard in Dundalk, it began as a modest bar catering to steelworkers from the nearby Bethlehem Steel plant. Over the decades, Triantafilos transformed it into a thriving family-run establishment renowned for its crab cakes and steamed crabs, earning accolades from locals and visitors alike. The eatery became a cultural touchstone in Baltimore, attracting celebrities like Cal Ripken Jr. and Jason Alexander, as well as everyday patrons who cherished its warm atmosphere and signature dishes. The restaurant’s success was a testament to Triantafilos’ vision and dedication, qualities that endeared him to his staff, customers, and the broader community.
In a poignant statement posted on Facebook, Costas Inn described Triantafilos as their “guiding force,” a man whose presence shaped the restaurant’s identity and values. His journey to Baltimore was itself a story of perseverance. Born in Greece in 1939, Triantafilos endured the Nazi occupation of his homeland during World War II before immigrating to the United States at age 13. Settling in Edgemere with an uncle, he graduated from Sparrows Point High School in 1959 and soon entered the business world. His purchase of the small bar that would become Costas Inn marked the beginning of a legacy that spanned more than five decades.
Nick Triantafilos, who serves as the restaurant’s director of communications and strategic planning, spoke of his father’s profound impact. “He was loved by a lot of people,” Nick said, his voice heavy with emotion. “You don’t get much better than him.” The family had been preparing to expand the Costas Inn brand with a second location at the Timonium fairgrounds, set to open in April, a project Triantafilos had been excited to see come to fruition. Now, that milestone will carry a bittersweet weight as the family and staff move forward without him.
The outpouring of grief from the community has been overwhelming. Longtime customers have taken to social media to share memories of Triantafilos’ kindness—how he greeted them by name, ensured every plate met his high standards, and made everyone feel like part of the family. Employees, some of whom worked at Costas Inn for decades, have expressed gratitude for his leadership and loyalty, noting that he kept the team intact even through challenging times like the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse, which disrupted local traffic and business patterns.
As Baltimore processes this loss, Triantafilos’ memory endures through the institution he built and the lives he touched. Costas Inn remains a beacon of community spirit, a place where people gather to celebrate, mourn, and connect. For now, the focus is on honoring a man who gave so much to his adopted city, a legacy that will continue to resonate far beyond the walls of his beloved restaurant.