The Team

After growing up in the restaurant industry, Nicholas Babalis graduated from NYU Stern School of Business with a degree in Accounting and Finance. Following graduation, Nick gained experience in a private accounting firm but soon realized that the restaurant business was in his blood, both literally and figuratively. Drawn back to the industry that raised him, he returned with a vision to elevate an already successful restaurant, now armed with the education and perspective to make it happen. After a major renovation, Nick executed his plan to deliver high-quality service and meals with greater efficiency, all while maintaining an exceptional dining experience.

Over the past 20 years, Nick has established himself as an industry expert, identifying innovative opportunities to disrupt the restaurant business with new services and products. His success has also allowed him to diversify into real estate, expanding into development and construction after acquiring key holdings. Nick continues to grow his business ventures and enjoys partnerships with his cousin and friend, Andrew Diamantopoulos. Fluent in English, Greek, and Spanish, Nick is dedicated to driving success in every endeavor.

Andrew Diamantopoulos has been a successful entrepreneur for 18 years, building a diverse career across real estate, duty-free trade, and hospitality. He began in the mortgage industry and later developed a passion for real estate, gaining experience in buying, renovating, and selling homes in New Jersey. Drawing on his upbringing in the duty-free import and export of spirits and wines, Andrew joined his father in expanding Global Duty Free Corporation into a multi-million-dollar business. He also founded NGU Builders, Inc., a design and construction firm, Diamond Group Corp., a property management company, and West Hoboken Residential, a real estate brokerage.

As CEO of Black Diamond Hospitality Group, which operates four New Jersey restaurants, Andrew combines his expertise and relationships across industries to drive growth. He is known for his ability to scale businesses, raise equity, and identify strategic opportunities. Fluent in English, Greek, and Spanish, Andrew thrives on turning ideas into successful ventures. He enjoys traveling with his wife and son, splitting time between Jersey City and Miami.

Konstantinos’s passion for hospitality led him to open his first restaurant in Ioannina, Greece, which grew into two restaurants and a coffee shop. Seeking greater challenges, he joined Costa Navarino, a world-class resort, as Bar Manager, where he gained expertise in integrating liquor brands with hospitality. In 2016, he became the Grey Goose Ambassador for Eastern Europe, further honing his skills in the beverage sector.

Over his career, Konstantinos has earned accolades such as 3rd place in the Global Cocktail Competition (2013) and the World Beer Competition (2014). He was instrumental in opening NAMMOS locations in Dubai and the French Alps during his seven years as Beverage Director at NAMMOS Mykonos. His global experience includes consulting and directing bar operations in Vienna, Paris, and the Dominican Republic. In 2019, he founded Utopia Events & Consulting in New York City and recently joined Black Diamond Hospitality Group, where he focuses on creating exceptional food and beverage menus and branding collaborations. Guided by his mantra, “The sky is the limit,” Konstantinos continues to push boundaries in the hospitality industry.