California, US-based Greek restaurant Papa Cristo’s has announced it will shut down operations on 4 May 2025 after 77 years of service.
The decision has been made by the family that has owned and operated the restaurant for decades, and comes as the building which houses it has been put up for sale for $5.2m.
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“It finally came to a point where we decided we’re gonna go on our terms,” Mark Yordon, general manager and member of the family business for 40 years, told the Los Angeles Times.
The closure has been attributed to financial pressures, with owner Chrys Chrys citing escalating rent as a key issue.
“The rent got too high,” he told LAist, “and there’s nothing we can do about it. … Tenants are pawns to the landlords.”
Despite the challenges, the family remained resolute in choosing to close on their own terms rather than being forced out by potential buyers with different plans for the property.
Papa Cristo’s was founded by Sam Chrys as C&K Importing in 1948. It began as a market selling imported Greek foods and wine and later expanded to include a range of Mediterranean and European speciality items.
Chrys Chrys took over from his father in 1968, eventually transforming an adjacent burger stand into the Papa Cristo’s Taverna.
The restaurant, like many local businesses, faced significant revenue downturns during the Covid-19 pandemic.
However, the market and the restaurant’s catering operation allowed for some continuity of sales, helping to keep the business afloat and staff employed.
Chrys hinted at a possible future for Papa Cristo’s in a public statement.
He posted on Instagram: “After 77 years on the corner of Pico and Normandie, it’s time for me to hang up my apron and for us to say goodbye (for now),” – then added: “PS The story of Papa Cristo’s doesn’t end here — exciting things are coming.”
