Notis the Gyro King has filed a federal lawsuit alleging Wilkes-Barre Twp. officials violated its civil rights by engaging in “a campaign of harassment” against the popular Greek food truck after it was relocated from its longtime home in the parking lot of Union Center Plaza.
Pittston residents Notis and Denise Vavlas, owners of the food truck that is ubiquitous at Northeastern Pennsylvania festivals, allege that the township — along with permit officer Charles Revitt and code enforcement officer Thomas Zedolik — effectively banned their business from operating in the township and cost them business by forcing them to move to a less visible location.
According to the complaint filed by Pittston attorney Robert J. Boyer, the business had been in operation in the former K-Mart parking lot since 2008 but was asked to relocate to a spot along Tracy Road when the Aldi’s moved in during November 2024.
The business got a permit to operate at the new location, but was soon informed by Revitt that the trailer would have to be moved every night, the complaint alleges. Notis Vavlas complied with the “unusual request” for several months before being informed by the township solicitor that he did not have to do so, according to the complaint.
At issue was a now-deleted line in an ordinance that raised the question of whether food trucks could only remain in one spot for a maximum of 10 hours per day. Township council rescinded the disputed language in April 2025.
But the lawsuit alleges Notis the Gyro King nevertheless endured a “campaign of harassment” in which Revitt contacted the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation to inquire about Notis Vavlas needing a highway occupancy permit.
Revitt said he was revoking the business’ operating permit in February 2025 due to the lack of a highway occupancy permit, a move that “effectively placed Vavlas out of business in the entire township,” Boyer wrote.
The lawsuit goes on to say that PennDOT does not in fact issue highway occupancy permits to food trailers, and that Revitt eventually conceded that such a permit was not required at the location.
Meanwhile, Notis the Gyro King was forced to relocate to a less visible location at 344 Rear Wilkes-Barre Twp. Blvd., a move that “has resulted in a significant financial loss” to the business due to a decrease in sales, according to the suit.
The complaint alleges other food trucks in the township have not been similarly singled out, and that Notis Vavlas — who the complaint notes is of “Greek/Mediterranean ethnic background” — was forced out without notice or the opportunity to have his case heard.
The company is seeking unspecified damages to be determined at trial.
Court records indicated Wilkes-Barre Twp. had not immediately answered the lawsuit.
Township solicitor John Rodgers did not immediately return a message seeking comment Thursday.
