Laura Fraser / Ryersonian Staff

The walls of George Petsinis's burger joint are plastered with pictures.

Between the glossy Maple Leafs team photos and snapshots of smiling regulars, a small newspaper clipping is taped to the fraying wallpaper.  It's a photo of Petsinis cut out of the Ryersonian.

"Ryerson gives me lots of regular customers," Petsinis said. "But we still need some more."

Raffles Burgers, Petsinis's Dundas Street restaurant, has been dishing out burgers to Ryerson students for more than 30 years.  The Ryersonian photo was taken at his 30th anniversary party last March, when more than 300 regulars dropped in.

Raffles is one of the few businesses in the area that hasn't changed much since the '70s. The restaurant's décor features cracked linoleum tile, rubber plants, and rickety faux-wood tables.

Petsinis greets his patrons by name, calling out: "same as yesterday?" and "Mr. Joe! The usual?"

Petsinis emigrated from Greece in 1967, "the last time the Maple Leafs won the Cup," he said, pointing to the hockey paraphernalia on the walls. At 66, his Greek accent is still heavy as he speaks about his soft spot for Ryerson students.

"I look after them," he said.  He talked about a young Ryerson student who came in for breakfast that morning.

"He's new to the neighbourhood, you know? He's only in first year. I gave him breakfast for $4 even though I usually charge $5."