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Life calms down for local man after TV run
Surprised by fame, grateful for support
Bachelor 1 WEB
Constantine Tzortzis, a contestant on “The Bachelorette,” said editing of the TV show accurately reflected what happened. - photo by Autumn McBride
When guests enter Giorgio’s Restaurant, they may get to meet reality TV star Constantine Tzortzis of “The Bachelorette” fame.Since the ABC reality romance show began in May, he’s greeted dozens of fans who want to get photos and ask questions.As a co-owner of his family’s eatery in Cumming, Tzortzis could often be found in the kitchen.But as droves of fans flocked to the restaurant, he moved out to the main floor more often.“I felt like I came back to my job here, which is working and putting in a helping hand,” Tzortzis said. “The demand was, ‘You need to be out front talking to people right now.’ But I’m in the back going, ‘But they really want their food.’”The atmosphere at the restaurant has calmed down some since the show ended Monday night.Bachelorette Ashley Hebert began with 25 suitors, and Tzortzis was one of the final three remaining.As the show neared its finish, which includes the option to propose to the bachelorette, Tzortzis eliminated himself.“I didn’t want to have doubts at all,” he said. “I knew that the next step wasn’t going to be real.”He said his relationship with Hebert progressed slower than others in the house, and he never felt a strong enough romantic connection.Tzortzis was glad he took the opportunity to appear on the show, which wasn’t at all what he thought it would be.For a couple years running, frequent restaurant patrons had encouraged him to apply for it.“I’d say, ‘No way, I’m never doing reality television,’” he said, admitting that he’d never seen the show before.When he finally gave in, Tzortzis said the conditions were right.He had ended a relationship and was open to finding someone.