New Sports Bar in Astoria Sparks Controversy

A new sports bar in Astoria is facing backlash this week due to its name, which has an unfortunate link to Adolf Hitler.

Wolf’s Hideout opened quietly on Thursday at the intersection of 29th and 30th Avenue, sharing a name with the notorious Nazi stronghold that angers locals, who find the choice “inappropriate.”

“Why name it that? It’s definitely not suitable,” commented BB, a passerby who stopped to check the menu.

For those unfamiliar, Wolf’s Hideout, or Wolfschanze in German, served as Hitler’s eastern headquarters in WWII and was hidden among the Polish forests.

The moniker “Wolf” has historical implications, being a nickname for the infamous dictator. The site was also known for a famous failed assassination attempt against him, which was portrayed in the film Valkyrie starring Tom Cruise.

However, the bar’s owner insists he had no idea about this dark history when deciding on the name.

Tom Galanis, a partner in the restaurant, stated he wanted to honor the loyalty associated with wolves and recognize his favorite MMA gym in the UK, which shares the same name and has produced several UFC champions like Quinton “Rampage” Jackson.

They aimed to attract a lively crowd, as noted by waitress Enkerezida Okendo.

Galanis mentioned that it was only after constructing a sign featuring large wolf prints that he stumbled upon the troubling connection to Nazism.

“You need a secret code and a secret hand salute,” one user remarked on Reddit.

“They opened a place called ‘death camps,'” another commenter said.

Some locals suggested the choice of name seemed too coincidental, labeling it a “dog whistle” intended to draw extremists.

“It feels 100% intentional, and I’m curious how the community will respond,” another individual said.

Chris Kobaros, the majority owner, admitted he was unaware of the Nazi association until it was brought up in a post. When Galanis pitched the idea to him, he simply liked the sound of the name.

When asked if a name change was on the table, Kouvaros acknowledged it could be considered, but any changes would take time.

Both Kobaros and Galanis emphasized that their establishment aims to be inclusive, highlighting the international flag displayed at the front.

They brushed off concerns from neighbors, arguing that “anyone can be offended.” Galanis explained, “Our goal was never to upset anyone. Wolves are beautiful animals, and the idea was just to create a space for them to ‘hang out.’ There’s nothing sinister about it.”

Residents had mixed reactions when approached about the bar’s name.

“They should change it… It’s going to bring back memories for people, no matter what they’re experiencing. People know what the name stands for,” said Victor Fulgün, an engineer.

Josias Pana called the name “unpleasant,” sharing that he was initially indifferent to visiting but his wife had shown interest in trying it out.

“She probably doesn’t want to go now,” he added, hoping it was just a misunderstanding.

Angie M., a long-time Astoria resident, seemed unconcerned about the name. She decided to give the owners the benefit of the doubt.

“I thought it was just German-style branding, but to me, it looks like a sports lounge,” she said. “I don’t think it was intentional. I get the whole concept; it’s about an alpha hanging out… People find reasons to be offended these days.”