Sheepshead Bay's Iconic El Greco Diner To Close Next Week
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- An iconic Brooklyn diner will soon be no more.
Sheepshead Bay's El Greco Diner will be closing its doors next Friday, co-owner George Venetoklis said.
"It's still hard to believe," Venetoklis told 1010 WINS. "As of today, the restaurant was sold."
The restaurant at 1821 Emmons Avenue has been in the family for decades.
Venetoklis was three years old when his father built and opened the diner 40 years ago. He and his brother have been running the business for more than 20 years.
"This decision took us quite some time to enter and quite frankly we're still digesting it," Venetoklis said. "I mean, it was my whole life."
Venetoklis said sharing the news with friends and customers has been very emotional.
"It's difficult for all of us, but at the same time it's bittersweet because we're leaving on our own terms and we're happy with the deal that we made," Venetoklis said. "We wish the best to the community, they've been wonderful."
Venetoklis said he still hasn't figured out what he'll do once the restaurant closes.
"I'm an attorney, my brother is an aerospace engineer, we may go back to our respective careers prior to the restaurant, we may open up another place, but there's nothing current right now," he said.
Venetoklis and his family are thankful for all the memories.
"It's been a wonderful run," Venetoklis said. "I grew up in the place and I was happy to be a part of it and I'm really happy for all the people that I've met. It's a beautiful area and the customers have been great. I'm going to miss them."
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