United Repair Service has resided on Broad Ripple Avenue in the same location (817 BR Ave) with the same name since 1940. If the shop could speak it would tell us of WWII soldiers strolling with their girlfriends, Elvis crazed teens in bobby socks or long haired hippies with fringed vests and love beads.

The alterations shop had two German owners before it was purchased by the current owner, John Anagnostou. John is descended from a family of Greek tailors. He and his two brothers have continued the tradition. At age 12, John was apprenticed to his uncle in Athens. After seven years he emerged a professional. Ten years later in 1969, the young tailor traveled to New York and then further west to join his friends in Indianapolis. He discovered cafeterias were a great place for an immigrant who didn't speak English well. All John had to do was point his finger to select a delicious meal. Today he particularly likes Kentucky Fried Chicken. He joined the Greek Orthodox Church and secured a position at L.S. Ayres downtown. Striving to do better, he moved to L. Strauss after two years. He soon realized that in order to make a really good living he had to own his own business. When Erwin Dollinger decided to sell United Repair in 1976, John was ready to purchase. The Christian Reading Room used to be next door. A small grocery and Abigail's was across the street. John settled in and persuaded his brother, Nick, to join him.

John and Nick have seen many changes over the decades. John told of the bustling Broad Ripple streets turning into a ghost town when Glendale opened. When the Village was revived he was glad to see the changes. The tailor especially enjoys the people who grew up here, moved away and return with their children to find him still in his shop bent over his old sewing machine.

United Repair Service offers alterations and repairs for men and women. Whether it's a wedding gown, a prom dress, a tuxedo or suit, the tailors can cut it down, enlarge it or shorten it for that perfect fit. They also do leatherwork and repair. Over the years, notables, prom queens and bikers have been customers. The brothers have done work for former mayor, Steve Goldsmith and current Indiana Senator, Evan Bayh. During the interview, resident Jeff Barth stopped in for measurements. A baritone, Jeff was preparing to join the opera production of L'Egisto in Rome, Italy this summer.

The Greek immigrant is now a citizen. John and his wife enjoy the Greek community in Indianapolis. He misses the islands and the blue water of Greece, but he is able to travel there from time to time to visit. John's one complaint is that Broad Ripple needs to find a solution for the traffic and the parking.

So, whether you are a club hopper that has torn a favorite suede jacket or a mother of the bride who has lost a few pounds and needs to take in a few inches on that perfect dress, United Repair can do the job. The next time you are walking the avenue, give a neighborly greeting to the Tailors of the Avenue. Patronize their business. They will give you excellent service as they have done for more than thirty years.