GEORGIA – Olympia Cafe in Savannah is at risk closure very soon due to an ongoing leasing issue, however its owner Vasilis Varlagas has assured he won’t be shut down, and that the Greek restaurant’s legacy will live on.
Olympia Cafe has served as a beloved spot for the Greek community of Savannah, GA and beyond for more than 30 years.
It was started back in 1991 by two Greek immigrants, Nick Pappas, who tragically passed away in May of this year at the age of 80, and his co-partner, Vasilis Varlagas, who continues to operate the business today.
It is most known for its offering of ‘spitika’ (home-cooked) foods such as moussaka, pastitsio, spanakopita (spinach pie), lemon chicken, dolmades (stuffed vine leaves), as well as fresh seafood, pasta, lamb, steak, salads and traditional Greek dips and appetizers.
Located at 5 East River Street, the renowned business is now at risk of closing – its lease was meant to wrap up later this year.
In an interview with The National Herald, Vasilis Varlagas revealed how he wants to assure his long-time supporters that the business isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.
“I’m not going to close. I have my supporters behind me, and they love me and the business, and it makes me feel proud,” Varlagas told TNH.
“Just so you can understand how much people love Olympia Cafe and want to save the business, I have real estate agents calling me daily to offer me new spaces for the business. There have even been some business owners who have called me as their businesses aren’t doing the best, and they want to offer me their store space in order to save the restaurant.”
“I never expected such a response…and I don’t know how to thank all these people.”
The 67-year-old Greek man revealed how he has no fears about losing the business, as he has his supporters behind him, and whether he stays in the same building, or relocates, Olympia Cafe will continue to operate.
“When you’re in a business for over 30 years, it becomes like your child, and you want to do everything you can to protect it,” Varlagas said.
“I am trying my best to not stress, and I feel thankful that I have people behind me who support me, which gives me strength to move forward.”
In a bid to save the Greek restaurant, a petition has additionally been made containing more than 6,000 signatures, serving as a push for the City of Savannah to renew the Greek restaurant’s lease.
The petition states that “If this business closes, a large piece of Savannah will be gone.”
“The location is paramount for success. It’s not just for tourists like the rest of River Street, locals love this place and the Greek food. The last thing we need is another hotel if that’s the plan. The lease is up at the end of the year, so it’s important that the City Council and Mayor know how important this business is to those of us that care,” he said.
Varlagas explained how he initially found out in May that his lease was going to end, and not be renewed, which came a week ahead of his business partner Nick Pappas’ passing.
“There was a law put in place in 2011 for all buildings under the City of Savannah (like Olympia Cafe) to bid again for their space every 10 years, but in the same building – there’s another business that came in 1991 like myself, and we signed the lease together. However, the other business was given a lease until 2031, but they wouldn’t do the same for me,” he said.
“I have reached out to lawyers and members of the City Council for answers, and no one is getting back to me. I have also been trying to get in touch with the Mayor for quite some time too, who I thought was my friend, but he tells me ‘I can’t talk to you as I’m not allowed due to my lawyer.’”
He further expressed his frustration due to the lack of information he was being given all year regarding extending the business’ lease.
“I kept getting told, don’t worry, we will extend your lease, and then in April they told me the business has to be bid on again,” Varlagas said.
“And I responded saying are you serious, six months prior? What is this? And for no one to get back to me with answers, what kind of thing is this?”
The Olympia Cafe owner said he wished to avoid making additional comments on the situation, as he awaits more information from the Council.
“By the end of September or early October, I will find out if I get to keep the space,” Varlagas added.
To sign the petition and contribute to saving the beloved Olympia Cafe in Savannah, Georgia, visit https://www.change.org/p/saving-olympia-cafe-demand-the-city-of-savannah-renew-the-lease.
