Editor’s note: After this news story reporting the closing of Papaspiros was published, the owners decided to reopen multiple days per week for the short term. William Rakes, a co-owner, wrote the Journal and said, “We hope to be open through the middle of December depending on our customers and employees support, as well as our landlord’s agreement who we thank very much.”
So for the moment, Papaspiros will be open Wednesday and Thursday at 4 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. The restaurant is also available for private parties.
After 28 years of serving authentic Greek cuisine on Lake Street in Oak Park, Papaspiros closed its doors on Nov. 5.
The restaurant publicized the closure on Nov 4. through an announcement on its website that thanked its many customers and said: “While we say goodbye for now, this isn’t the end. We’re hopeful and excited to return in 2025 – bigger, better and ready to create new memories with you all.”
Owner Spiro Papageorge established Papaspiros in Oak Park in 1996. In 2014, the restaurant moved to a new spot, 728 Lake St., right across the street from its original location.
According to William Rakes, Papageorge’s business partner, they hope to re-open in a space on Madison Street at some point in 2025.
“We want our next location to be more convenient for pickup orders,” Rakes said.
For the past few years, Papaspiros has experienced an increasing number of pickup and takeout orders and a decreasing number of in-house diners.
“During COVID, I think people got used to not going to the restaurant,” Rakes said. “People do not come into the restaurant and sit down as much as they once did.”
Rakes said inflation is another factor that he believes has caused a decreasing number of customers.
“We have a good product and we have wonderful customers – we just need more of them,” he said.
If Papaspiros ends up landing a space on Madison Street, Rakes hopes to introduce a takeout window at their new location.
“That’s the dream,” he said. “We want to concentrate on the pickup because that’s the trend.”
In the days following the announcement of the closure, the restaurant has received many calls from customers.
“The calls are from people saying how sorry they are to see us leave and that they loved our food,” Rakes said.
According to Papageorge, gyros has been the most popular item among customers during his 28 years of running Papaspiros.
“Everyone loves the gyros,” Papageorge said.
While he is a fan of the gyros as well, Papageorge’s personal favorite on the menu has been Spanakopita.
“I love this restaurant,” he said.
Since Papaspiros has their restaurant space through the end of 2024, they are available to host private parties during the month of December.
For more information about having a private party at Papaspiros, email reservation@papaspiroslive.com.