One location of popular Lexington Greek restaurant closes, victim of its own success
One location of a popular Lexington restaurant is closing, perhaps a victim of the local chain’s own success.
Athenian Grill owner Ilias Pappas said he decided to close the Locust Hill location as a daily restaurant. Instead, it will become the main hub for catering.
And the space will now be available for events, something he said that customers wanted but he wasn’t able to deliver before.
The restaurant announced the news on Facebook, saying “we look forward to serving you in our Chevy Chase, Park Plaza or Summit locations!”
However, several customers online were quick to express sadness at the loss of the location.
The kitchen will become a foodservice commissary as well, producing more products, including roasted red pepper hummus and pastitsio, among other new items, that will be launching at the restaurants later this month.
Pappas opened the Athenian Grill’s second location on Locust Hill in February 2015 and it quickly became popular with diners on the east side of town.
He’d originally planned to expand with a bakery but his other businesses took off.
He subsequently opened a location in the foodhall at The Summit at Fritz Farm and another downtown on Main Street.
Athenian Grill also has become a major participant in the dining halls on the University of Kentucky and is expanding to other college campuses.
This story was originally published December 18, 2019 at 8:30 AM with the headline "One location of popular Lexington Greek restaurant closes, victim of its own success."
