Atlantis Pizzeria & Family Restaurant, serving up Greek and Mediterranean cuisine for almost four decades, has announced it will close Jan. 24.
The restaurant, at 2648 King Street in the Bradlee Shopping Center, has been offering carry-out service since the start of the pandemic. The extensive menu offered a variety of soups, pizza, gyros and much more. Business has dropped significantly since last March when the coronavirus pandemic forced many restaurants to change operations.
In a photo of a sign circulating on social media, Atlantis Restaurant owners Jim and Bill Patrianakos wrote the following:
"TO OUR LOYAL CUSTOMERS:
It is with great regret that we will be CLOSING Atlantis Restaurant on January 24th. We are deeply saddened that it has come to this point, but the pandemic has proven to be too difficult for us to continue normal business.
It has been with great privilege to have served our customers for over 38 years. We thank you for being such loyal customers and and allowing us to be a part of your family.
We appreciate all of your support over the years, and it is with a heavy heart to be shutting our doors after 38 years!"
In response to questions on Facebook, Mayor Justin Wilson outlined the various ways the City of Alexandria has worked with restaurants, including Atlantis, to make the pandemic survivable.
"The City has been working to support Atlantis throughout the past year. They have been provided grants from our Back to Business grant program, and we have been in touch about options they might have for outdoor, etc.," Wilson wrote. "They were also able to take advance of the business tax relief efforts we put in place to support the liquidity of restaurants around the City."
He continued, "I spoke with the owner this morning when I was picking up breakfast there about whether we could assist with the landlord, but unfortunately an appropriate arrangement with the landlord could not be reached. I know they had a few folks helping them negotiate with the landlord. If there was something we could do, we happily would. It's a tragic loss for our community."
