Los Angeles: Iconic Greek restaurant Papa Christo’s after 77 years

After 77 years, the iconic Greek restaurant and deli in Los Angeles, Papa Christo’s Greek Grill and Market, is closing on May 4, 2025.

The announcement was made by owner Christos Chrysovergis, also known as Chrys, telling customers that this will be the last month they can enjoy the restaurant.

The owner, now in his 80s, told the Greek Reporter that one of his two daughters may want to continue running the business with him, but they will have to find a smaller place to move to as their established location has become too difficult to handle at his age.

Milestone for Los Angeles

Home to residents and famous artists alike, the business stands at 2771 West Pico Boulevard in the Pico-Union neighborhood of the City of Angels.

Papa Christo’s Greek Grill won the title of “Best Greek restaurant in Los Angeles” from Zagat in 2011. The establishment provided all the food that appeared in Nia Vardalos’ acclaimed 2022 comedy “Marriage à la Mode”.

In 2021, American rapper Ja Rule filmed a short commercial for Papa Christos’, declaring his love for Greek food, and in June 2024, an ad for the store, starring NY Knicks player Isaiah Hartenstein, aired on the television show Jimmy Kimmel Live.

Christos Chrysovergis’ announcement

“My father opened the doors of our family business in October 1948, and from that first day, it has been full of love, hard work, and our local community,” Christo wrote in the touching announcement of the store’s closing on Facebook.

“My mother, Annie, stood by his side as he poured his heart into building the foundation of what would become a true Greek landmark in Los Angeles,” he adds.

The owner said he was blessed to carry on his father’s legacy, as C&K Importing and Papa Christo’s “evolved into a place where flavors, friendships, families, and memories came together under one roof.”

“We will close this chapter with our hearts full of love and gratitude for the incredible community that has supported us for generations,” she says, but leaving an open window to customers, saying that “after 77 unforgettable years at the corner of Pico and Normandie, it’s time to hang up my apron and say goodbye – for now,” Chrys says. Saying “Thank you,” the owner concludes: “The Papa Christo’s story doesn’t end here – exciting things are coming.”

The story of the store

The business was started in 1948 by Sam Chrys, who wanted to bring Greek food and wine to Los Angeles.

In 1968, Christo bought the business from his father to continue the legacy. The current owner had the idea of opening a Greek restaurant. In the early 1990s, Papa Christo’s Taverna was founded, followed by Papa Christo’s Catering.