Iconic Parthenon Restaurant in Chicago’s Greektown Closes After 48 Years

After 48 years of providing Chicago’s Greektown with an authentic Greek flare and famous flaming saganaki, the Parthenon restaurant has closed its doors.

The reasons why the restaurant has closed are still unclear, but a sign in the window suggests that the Greek icon has been replaced by a sports bar as it reads: “Opening soon: The Ambassador Public House.”

The parthenon restaurant first opened its doors in 1968, but the story starts 10 years before, in 1958 when Chris Liakouras came to Chicago from Detroit with only $64 accompanied by his friend, where the two soon landed jobs selling Red Book phone directories.

In 1967 when an existing Greektown restaurant went up for sale Greek brothers Chris and Bill Liakouras bought it and opened the Parthenon restaurant in 1968, taking in $110 on its first day. The restaurant flourished in the years to follow and in 1971 the brothers bought the adjoining building to expand the business.

Now 48 years later the business has closed with a simple sign on the window on Tuesday morning saying: “After over 48 years in business we are sad to inform you we are permanently closed.”