Beloved Restaurant Closing Soon After 25 Years In Millersville

MILLERSVILLE, MD - Hellas Restaurant & Lounge will close next month after 25 years in business, saying its property was sold.

The Millersville eatery's last day will be Sept. 3. The Stavlas family announced the news on Wednesday. The establishment was known for its Greek and Chesapeake cuisines.

Hellas called it "a very sad and difficult decision to make that involved several complex factors." The restaurant cited "the state of the economy, labor markets, supply chain disruptions, the overall health of the business, family health issues and other personal factors."

"It has been our pleasure to serve our guests and help celebrate milestone events in their lives," Hellas said on Facebook. "We are sad and empathize with the community for the loss that our closure creates. We will cherish the wonderful memories that we were able to create with our staff and guests over the past two and a half decades. We truly have the best customers a restaurant can ask for and have built marvelous relationships with so many wonderful people."

Customers shared their memories after the closure announcement.

Meredith Wallace Claborn said Hellas had the "BEST CRAB CAKES ever" and a "'hometown' feeling."

"Our community will never be the same without Hellas," David Wells said on Facebook. "You are more than just a restaurant with excellent and unique food at very reasonable prices. You are a gathering place that gives us comfort and happiness. I will always miss you."

Hellas Greek menu featured gyros, chicken souvlaki, spanakopita, tzatziki and grape leaves.

Seafood options included chicken Chesapeake, crab dip, stuffed lobster tail, fried shrimp and oysters Rockefeller.

"Thank you so much for serving your delicious food to my family," Ave Smith said on Facebook. "We just celebrated my stepfather’s 85th bday a couple of weeks ago there, the staff was so great, you will all be missed."

Hellas also thanked its employees and community partners.

"There have been hundreds of amazing people whom we have worked with over the years that have become irreplaceable threads in the tapestry of our lives," Hellas said. "Whether it be grass roots efforts to provide nutritious food in underserved areas, or raising funds for locals school, we thank you. It has been a privilege to be involved with so many caring and selfless people, your kindness has helped us keep faith in humanity over the years."

Hellas invited patrons to visit the restaurant at least once more before it closes.

The eatery is located at 8498 Veterans Highway.

It's open Sunday through Thursday from 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday hours are 10:30 a.m. to midnight. Customers can make a reservation by calling (410) 987-0948.

More information is posted at hellasrestaurantandlounge.com. Patrons can also follow the restaurant on Facebook.

"While the sadness of not being able to serve our community will surely linger, the joys and happiness of our ties together with bring smiles to our faces for years to come," Hellas said. "We love you and thank you for your support."

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