Roussos Restaurant To Close

When George Roussos first began in the restaurant business in 1954, there was no way he could have forecast the storms that the restaurant and his family would face in the years ahead. Now after more than half a century serving diners in the Mobile Bay area, Roussos Restaurant is closing this Sunday.

"This is without a doubt the toughest decision our family has ever made," said John Roussos. "The restaurant isn't a just job to us. It is our way of life."

John, his brother Jimmy and sister Georgia, along with their parents George, who passed in 2000, and Zenia, have welcomed thousands of locals and visitors alike to the different locations of the restaurant.

The original restaurant location on the causeway was destroyed in 1979 by Hurricane Frederick. The family pulled together and later opened in downtown Mobile in the historic Fort Conde area. In 2004 the family joined the development at the Eastern Shore Centre in Spanish Fort. And later in 2008 moved to the current location on Highway 98 in Daphne.

"Our business here in Daphne was very strong until last fall," said Jimmy Roussos. "It is a good location and the area was very supportive. Then the economic downturn really hit us hard, like it has a lot of restaurants."

Also known for their catering, the Roussos family hopes to maintain a presence in that portion of the business. "We are leaving our options open at this time," said Georgia Roussos. "We will continue with our catering and as the economy improves, perhaps we could even reopen the restaurant."

Employees were notified on Wednesday afternoon. "I'm not quite sure what Monday morning will feel like," said Mary Myers. Mary began working for the family in 1974 and has become a fixture, often referred to as the "red-headed Roussos."

"I hope that the business can continue with the catering for now and then grow back strong enough to open the restaurant in the future," Mary added. "When they do, I'll be with them."

The entire Roussos family would like to express their heart-felt appreciation to their employees, vendors and to everyone who has dined with them over the years.

Roussos Restaurant will close its doors at 3:00pm on Sunday, August 23rd.