Downtown Ann Arbor's Parthenon Restaurant making way for Cafe Habana after sale
The Parthenon Restaurant has been sold after nearly 40 years on one of downtown Ann Arbor’s most visible corners.
The owners of Cafe Habana recently purchased the long-time Ann Arbor restaurant on Main Street. Now, they plan to move Cafe Habana into the Parthenon space. Cafe Habana had closed its former location on East Washington Street on Jan. 8 in preparation for the move.
After 40 years in Ann Arbor, the Parthenon Restaurant will close and reopen as Cafe Habana after the landmark restaurant sold.
Jessica Levine I Contributor
The listing markets the space as an "oustanding Ann Arbor restaurant location." It includes the first-level, and 4,000 square feet of "unfinished" space in the basement, which can be used to create a bi-level restaurant and club.
“We are very pleased about this as owners,” said Jim Curtis of Curtis Commercial. “We as building owners, Cafe Habana owners and Parthenon owners are all online and very pleased about this.”
Steve Gavas declined to immediately comment about the sale, except to thank the restaurant’s loyal customers.
Curtis Commercial called Parthenon an “exceptional tenant” in a news release sent out Monday evening.
Cafe Habana closed on East Washington Street Jan. 8 for Blue Tractor to expand. The restaurant will reopen in the Parthenon space on Main Street.
Angela Cesere | AnnArbor.com
“[The new owners] have exciting new plans to transform the restaurant to house the new location of Cafe Habana.”
In early January, business partners Greg Lobdell and Jon Carlson announced they would expand Blue Tractor into the Cafe Habana space and move Cafe Habana to an undisclosed location downtown that would reopen in summer 2012.
Lobdell and Carlson, along with operating partner Dan Glazer and other investors, opened Cafe Habana in 2007. A year later, they opened the Blue Tractor barbeque and brewery next door.
Other ventures they’re involved with: Ann Arbor’s Grizzly Peak and Jolly Pumpkin; Traverse City’s Mission Table, North Peak Brewing Company, Kilkenny’s Irish Pub, Blue Tractor, Jolly Pumpkin and Bastone Brewery; and Royal Oak’s Vinotecca.
Carlson told AnnArbor.com in early January that the new Cafe Habana location will be “completely new.”
“It won’t be a cookie-cutter move like Cafe Habana just switched to a new location…It’s a way better space for salsa nights and will be unreal for dancing in general,” he said.
He continued, “We want to take the best of what we’ve done before and take a lot of new ideas to improve upon it to give people a new experience.”
Both Blue Tractor and Cafe Habana will get enhanced menus, and they plan to collectively hire 80 to 100 new employees for the expanded restaurants.
The Cafe Habana Cellar Lounge remains open in the basement of Blue Tractor, and it will get a new concept once Cafe Habana opens on Main Street.
The Parthenon Restaurant is still open, and a closing date has yet to be announced. Lobdell and Carlson said they hope to complete renovations on the space and open Cafe Habana in summer 2012.
Lizzy Alfs is a business reporter for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at 734-623-2584 or email her at lizzyalfs@annarbor.com. Follow her on Twitter at http://twitter.com/lizzyalfs.
Comments
LuvAA
Mon, Jan 30, 2012 : 9:29 p.m.
My kids and I are sooo sad to see Parthenon closing...we're trying to get our fill of lamb and rice, whenever we can. I just called last night, and they estimate they will be open for approx one more month...so end of February??? We will truly miss this place and have enjoyed going there for more than 20 years now. I hope that Parthenon would consider finding maybe a smaller location in Ann Arbor area. I would love to see them survive this business climate. Best of luck and thank you for all the years of great food!
A2K
Thu, Jan 26, 2012 : 1:11 p.m.
Oh, the passing of another downtown icon...I remember "The Parth's" old interior: the red, sparkly vinyl seats and wine-bottles imbedded in the brick and stucco - some of the seats crisscrossed with silver duct-tape :O) Still dined after the remodel now and then, thank you for many years of good, homey food and great service. You'll be missed.
Jessica Flood
Wed, Jan 25, 2012 : 7:01 p.m.
Hey guess what? The Parthenon is OPEN THIS WEEK. I just called over there. If you liked it, or want to try it for the first time, wrench your fingers from your keyboard, leave your house, go out in public amongst fellow humans, and go there one last time. :)
thefoodandwinehedonist
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 7:23 p.m.
I've eaten there a couple of times and was completely unimpressed. Whether it was 100% authentic or not is not the issue - flavor was. And this didn't compare to the worst of Chicago's Greek restaurants. I appreciate that this place has been around for 40 years and some Borders-like nostalgia is expected. But let's look at the positive - this is a primo central location that can showcase A2's food scene. Habana falls short currently, but there's always hope that they can get there.
leezee
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 8:51 p.m.
Most people tend to react to the decor or Parthenon and transfer it to the food - I've found that it's mostly snobs.
thefoodandwinehedonist
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 8:48 p.m.
It's been a while, but I can clearly recall abundance of two flavors - grease (not Greece) and salt. I also thought a lot of their food was overcooked - or worse, were warmed-up leftovers. Even if they weren't, it sure tasted like it.
djm12652
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 7:50 p.m.
in judging by your title, you must be a gourmand...can you tell me what you ate there and what flavor was missing?
Bananagunz
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 7 p.m.
I'll miss Friday lunches with the boys. Flaming Saginaki for the table to start, slathered on bread. Pan grease wiped down for the last and best bite. Mythos beer, make that two, Jimmy three please, OK, four for the table. Bowl each of Avgolameno soup, more bread, no spoons. And then a Gyro with everything. So full. So good. We'll miss the Parth, and will always love the Gavases. BTW, do you know that in almost every city in Greece, they put french fries into their teeny-tiny Gyro sandwichs? I like our way much better.
leaguebus
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 6:01 p.m.
John, Steve, and their families have worked very hard to maintain a great restaurant. My family, especially my kids, loved the Parthenon. One of my sons worked there for about 6 months and he was scheduled to work a Friday night shift when he was a football player at Pioneer and they got into the playoffs. My son didn't know what to do and told the football coach that he would not be at the game because he had to work. I told him to call the restaurant, which he did, and he talked to Steve. My son was the only one scheduled to do his job that night and Steve told my son that he should play the game and that he (Steve) would do my sons job that night. Steve just wanted a call with the score when the game was over. I will miss the Parthenon and so will my sons. Good luck to Steve and John...
CincoDeMayo
Fri, Jan 27, 2012 : 6:46 a.m.
great story!
treetowncartel
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 7:08 p.m.
Sounds like they were great people to work for.
Mick52
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 5:50 p.m.
Sorry to say I do not eat there, but alas, another Ann Arbor icon that has been here longer than I have is going away..... For some reason I was happy just seeing it there.
DeeDee
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 4:39 p.m.
Well, I wish the owners well in retirement, although I never like the food there. I sure hope, however, that the Cafe Habana keeps the machine age, art deco elements of the facade - a good fit with the Habana theme, and one of the coolest on Main St.
CincoDeMayo
Fri, Jan 27, 2012 : 6:45 a.m.
Oops you were talking about the facade of The Parthenon, and I was talking about the interior of Cafe Habana.....too late at night. But, I would like to see them keep both - the facade of the Parthenon and the feel of their old Habana restaurant.
CincoDeMayo
Fri, Jan 27, 2012 : 6:42 a.m.
Me too - I love the decor. But, I am afraid by their explanation that they are not planning on the new one looking like the old one. And, definitely the space is going to be different. Too bad. The surroundings helped the food to taste better. Not that I am complaining about the food. I love the pineapple on the tacos....yum.
ArgoC
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 4:23 p.m.
I love the Parthenon and its food. I'm glad the Parthenon owners are selling rather than being forced out. Thing change, and good luck to the Parthenon former owners!
treetowncartel
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 3:58 p.m.
I wonder if the proliferation of the Greek Coney Island bit into their business, You can walk into any of them and get the same fair without the burden of finding a spot in downtown in Ann Arbor.
treetowncartel
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 6 p.m.
Fair enough, I meant fare, but my hands said it differently. I never said the quality was the same, but when it comes to lighting cheese on fire I'm not sure there is much variance.
ArgoC
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 4:25 p.m.
No, there are four different fairs. Five? And I'm not sure I would say the Parthenon's fare is the same as other places, either.
dogpaddle
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 3:42 p.m.
I'm with Goofus, Atticus and Edward. I enjoyed mojitos at Cafe Habana but thought the food was terrible. On the other hand, I think the food at Blue Tractor and Jolly Pumpkin is outstanding, so I've always been surprised that the same owners would have such good food in some places and not so good in another. I guess the same can be said for the Main St. Venture restaurant group. And @Edward, while I think BTB does a good job for Mexican, if you are looking for truly authentic, go to La Fiesta Mexicana in Ypsilanti (IMHO).
CincoDeMayo
Fri, Jan 27, 2012 : 6:38 a.m.
La Fiesta Mexicana is very good, in my opinion. La Casita? In the litlle yellow house? Is it still in business?
thefoodandwinehedonist
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 7:28 p.m.
La Fiesta is ok... Los Amigos is not that good. Best authentic Mex I've had is La Casita. Little dump in a strip mall in Ypsi...
SMC
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 5:39 p.m.
I wasn't a big fan of El Camino, but Los Amigos seems to be doing a better job. Just don't order the "fajitas for two" if you've brought less than 5 people. Their portion sizes make Dimo's look stingy.
Atticus F.
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 4:11 p.m.
El Camino/Los Amigos is good too.
Edward Green
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 2:55 p.m.
When I go for authentic Mexican food, I go to BTB Burrito. When I'm craving lechon that I used to have in Miami, I go to Cafe Habana. NOT! Cafe Habana banks on customer who have never had good Cuban food. Seems to be working for them!
jns131
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 4:10 p.m.
Need to hit Mexican Town near Detroit. Now there is a good burrito any day of the week.
Atticus F.
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 2:32 p.m.
As someone who is extremely fond of Cuban food from my travels to Miami and the Keys, I have to say I was dissapointed with the food at Cafe Habana. Rice was over cooked and border-line mushy. And the stewed beef dish that I got seemed a little watery, which watered down the flavor. Maybe I will give them another chance. Perhaps I simply went in on an off day, but it was enough to keep me from going back. Has anybody else had any experience with the food being sub-par?
Moon Dust
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 8:34 p.m.
I agree. I've dined there a few times and the food is definitely sub-par. What kind of Cuban restaurant can't cook rice correctly? The bread they use for their sandwiches is wrong. Another thing I thought was strange was that they only seem to have any white rice... I do not recommend you give it another try, unless you just want to go for drinks & apps. If I want Latin food in A2, I just eat at Latino Sabor, which is decent and cheaper, but not Cuban.
CincoDeMayo
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 3:56 p.m.
Some of their dishes were better than others....keep trying.
SMC
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 3:54 p.m.
It's been hit-or-miss on the several occasions I've dined there. I found that odd, given the common ownership of Grizzly Peak, where everything is consistently great. Some of Habana's dishes were just OK, so I usually just stick with my favorite, the churasco chimichurri.
Watcher
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 2:18 p.m.
Nearly 40 years?? I remember it as a Cunnningham's.
Elaine F. Owsley
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 1:28 p.m.
With the closing of Champion House as well, there goes the diversity of dining in downtown Ann Arbor. Italian just doesn't cut it as "different".
HerrSnibbens
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 4:44 p.m.
I'll agree with you about the lack of choice when it comes to Greek places but Asian? You can't throw a stone without hitting some sort of Asian restaurant in Ann Arbor.
jns131
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 4:10 p.m.
I totally agree. Need to find another good gyro and a good Japanese meal.
Freedom68
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 3:05 p.m.
Walk across the corner to Shalimar for some pretty good Indian or one block down to Marnee Thai for superb Thai food if your looking for some diversity. They could both hold their own in any town.
Mathew Jones
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 12:49 p.m.
I can't believe they're closing!!!!! This restaurant was the only reason my family and I went to the Art Fair! It sure will be missed!!!
Urban Sombrero
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 1:19 p.m.
I guess we'll just have to go to Greektown now, Matt.
15crown00
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 12:42 p.m.
Whatever will be will be.
bunnyabbot
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 6:33 a.m.
this is very sad :( I have been going there for almost 30 years, I grew up eating there, in fact we went almost weekly growing up. I will have to ask them for thier recipes for a couple dishes. I hope the brothers can finally get in some time to put their feet up. They always worked hard and one of them was always there when we came in. as for the comment about "authentic" greek food, as someone who has had greek food in Greece I can tell you that the food varies greatly depending on which town you are in, it is as varied as saying American food. The Parthenon will be extremely missed :( I could totally cry :(...
Laurie
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 4:09 a.m.
This is terrible news. Maybe the most recognizable location in town. I liked the old Cafe Habana but I will have a hard time supporting them now. They shouldn't be there.
SMC
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 5:23 a.m.
By that logic, there are no businesses in Ann Arbor (or anywhere) that you should support, because they've all changed locations at one time or another. Yes, it's sad to see a landmark on Main street closing, but I doubt the owners of the Parthenon were forced to do so at gunpoint. They made a business decision, as all business owners do. It was theirs, they felt like selling it, got a good offer, and that's that.
justcurious
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 4:30 a.m.
Cafe Habana could learn a few things from The Grasshopper in Adrian.
Goofus
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 3:49 a.m.
I don't really understand why everyone is pining after their gyros when cheaper and better gyros are easily had...now, in the past, and perhaps forever... less than 40 minutes away in Detroit's Greektown. I never could really eat at The Parthenon for that very reason.
jns131
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 4:08 p.m.
I was there in Greek Town last month. Hate to say it, but I think I can find better food quality somewhere else then there. I had an over expensive food dish that was not the best and cheaply made. We will look elsewhere for a good gyro now that the Parthenon is leaving.
djm12652
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 5:26 a.m.
I have eaten in Greektown for a number of years as well as the Parthenon, and I will put Steve and John's Lamb and Green Beans up against any other, including my own...and for those that question the "authenticity" of the Greek cuisine...guess where the Gavas boys are from? Duh...
Left is Right
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 4:06 a.m.
And if you haven't eaten there, how do you know how good their food is?
Left is Right
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 4:05 a.m.
A gyros is kind of a quick meal. I'll stop in for one when I need something quick. Driving to Greektown (considering the price of gas and...my time) for a gyros is a non-starter. Maybe it works for you.
sHa
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 3:38 a.m.
On The Huron is correct; my husband and I have never found another gyro as delicious as theirs, and believe me, we have tried Greek restaurants all over the USA. Their Greek salad is awesome, too. Wish we didn't live out of state now, or we would get back there for one last meal. Really sorry to see them leave. John and Steve deserve a great retirement, and we wish them both the very best!
Susanne Brace
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 3:36 a.m.
So sad! I will especially miss them during Art Fair, it was a tradition for my mom and myself to stop by and grab a couple gyros.
justcurious
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 3:28 a.m.
Turn it back into Cunningham's.
Left is Right
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 3:13 a.m.
Sorry to see the Parthenon go. In the mid-70's, it was the ONLY thing open in the ghost town we now call Main St. late at night (they closed at midnight every night--and man, those guys were hard workers). And for years--years--the gyros sandwiches were $1.54. Have since enjoyed many meals outside there with my kids. Will miss it (but like Habana too).
Left is Right
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 3:18 a.m.
And I much preferred it over Cunningham's and Pots and Plants (which preceded it at that location).
bruno_uno
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 2:56 a.m.
will miss the best greek gyros around
Marvin Face
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 2:44 a.m.
Opah! That is the 100% corner in A2. Nice move.
newsboy
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 2:38 a.m.
It was never the same when the Parthenon got its liquor license. At that point they got rid of the cafeteria style service line along with the cafeteria pricing. Students used to pack the place with a line out the door. Cheap eateries are no more in Ann Arbor, partly due to the city's politika. Restaurateurs are forced to bid for what little overpriced commercial real estate is available.
Goofus
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 3:47 a.m.
when did the parthenon get their liquor license...the 1970's?
johnnya2
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 3:10 a.m.
".Restaurateurs are forced to bid for what little overpriced commercial real estate is available." Inform us all what is OVERPRICED? When you sell your home do you hope to make as much as possible, or are you just going to take whatever the first buyer offers? When you get a job do you take tell your boss you only want X number of dollars per year because any more than that is too much. There is no such thing as overpriced. If it is too high, nobody will rent it. If you want cheap cafeteria style food there was a place called Old Country Buffet. How did that work out for them? I will guarantee the price per square foot at OCB was less than at the Parthenon. If people really wanted the places you think they do, then why don; you risk YOUR money and open whatever the hell you want. You are free to buy any building and charge whatever rent you want. In fact, why not just rent it for free.
Mary Koral
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 1:40 a.m.
Oh no, no, no! When our kids came to us from Vietnam, India and Korea, that's where we eventually ended up eating as a family. We have continued that for years now. I don't begrudge Cafe Habana. I understand that John and Steve probably want some fun, not continual work, but what a hole they leave. They were always kind. The food was always good and no matter how many of us ended up there, the service was cordial. Blessings on John and Steve for such good years. Mary
Goofus
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 1:37 a.m.
I sincerely hope Cafe Habana drastically improves their food. I enjoyed them, but for drinks only as their food was very bland and tasteless. Hopefully they can improve that.
EyeHeartA2
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 1:26 a.m.
Very sad about the closing. And not too thrilled with the opening. Oh well, just another reason to not go downtown.
Top Cat
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 1:22 a.m.
This place is a model of great food and consistency. They were always my stop for eats before going to The Ark.
On The Huron
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 1:20 a.m.
Say what you will about the Parthenon, but I have judged all other Gyros against theirs and have been disappointed many times. I will be sorry to see them go. I have eaten there since they opened and never been sorry for it. I hope John and Steve enjoy their retirement. Sorry to see you go.
Gloria VanAlstine
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 1:03 a.m.
I have been eating Gyros, extra tomato, light onions and two cucumber sauces for 36 years. Also the fries were the best. I will miss them and will never expect to have a gyro as good as theirs. Thank you and all the best to you Parthenon owners!
Arboriginal
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 9:11 p.m.
THE FRIES!!!!! I almost forgot! This townie hasn't been there in years but will be there this week you bet!
leezee
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 1 a.m.
No! We just had dinner there Saturday! In the summer, a favorite meal was the Greek salad with gyro meat on the sidewalk. People make fun of Parthenon, but I've always had great food and service there. They will be greatly missed!
burl
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 12:59 a.m.
Its a shame that this restaurant is closing. It's also a shame that some of our esteemed readers never gave tips to the Parthenon owners on how to make "authentic" greek food. I'm sure that they would have loved the advice that our world renown critics have apparantly been holding back. To Salidos and Yanni Gavas, great restaurant, have a good retirement. To our critics, please, please let other restaurants in Ann Arbor who purport to be "authentic native cuisine", please let them know what they are doing wrong. They may be run 1st generation immigrants who brought over their cuisine but you, you went to Chicago once and that makes you an expert.
Bananagunz
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 6:29 p.m.
Patrick, You're butchering spanakopita if that's the way you make it. Nutmeg is for Americans...and you left out the secret ingredient...ah, you must not be Greek!
Patrick Haggood
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 3:14 p.m.
2lbs spinach leaves, 1/2 cup ricotta, 2 eggs, large onion, garlic , tsp nutmeg, box of pre-made phyllo, 1 to 1.5 cups crumbled feta, salt, pepper. Clean spinach, saute diced onion, garlic, salt, pepper and spinach in skillet until just wilted, let cool. Combine ricotta, eggs, feta in bowl. Stir in spinach mixture and nutmeg. Unroll phyllo, Oil bottom of 9x13 glass baking pan, spoon in enough spinach to cover bottom. Lay in 3 sheets phyllo, first brushing each sheet with olive oil. Spread in more spinach mixture then 3 more sheets. Repeat until mixture used up, cover all with at least 4 sheet phyllo. Place in 350 degree oven for 55 mins.
zags
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 12:48 a.m.
I didn't think the food was that great either. But enough people did as they were in business for 30 years. Good luck to them in their retirement.
kittybkahn
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 12:31 a.m.
My husband, Steven, and I both love The Parthenon and have had many great meals there. We will miss it very much. -Peace, Kitty
roadsidedinerlover
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 12:24 a.m.
@Roadman..... are you serious? The food was and always has been bad! I have had more authentic Greek food in Chicago and I am sure there are people in Ann Arbor who have had better in Greece itself. I am glad to see this place leave A2!
Bananagunz
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 6:26 p.m.
Coming from a guy who calls himself roadsidedinerlover...I just can't take your advice on what good food might be. The Parth (as we call it) is one of my favorite spots in town and we eat there once a month because of the people...and because the food is good. Go back to your crappy highway diners in Jersey. I'll be at The Parth at least two more times.
jns131
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 4:05 p.m.
Hate to say it, this food is a lot better then what we were served in Greek Town last month. The food was really cheap looking and the prices? No comment. Plus most of the lamb they use to serve is now mostly chicken and beef. Wish this place could open a little place elsewhere in the area. Good luck on the retirement.
HeimerBoodle
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 3:33 p.m.
I grew up eating Greek food in Chicago and personally, I thought the Parthenon held its own. Was it the best of the best? No, but they did standard dishes very well (their Avgolemono in particular was outstanding, which is rare). As for Greek food being better in Greece, color me shocked!
djm12652
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 5:33 a.m.
By the way, roadside....how do you feel about Cafe Habana and it's "authentic" Cuban cuisine? Are there authentic Cuban restaurants in Chicago as well? Owned by Cubans or non-Cubans? And I must agree with West of Main...who would have thought one could have good Greek food in Greece? amazing...I thought Greece was known for it's Southern Fried Chicken!
Left is Right
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 3:24 a.m.
Absolutely the best gyros sandwich in Ann Arbor--obviously, in my opinion. Just like your comments are only *your* opinion.
ranger007
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 1:06 a.m.
Greek food in Greece? Who knew
burl
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 1:02 a.m.
A family business that has strong ties to the community is closing? Quick, to the comment section to drop a hint at how renown my taste buds are!!!
West of Main
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 12:43 a.m.
Better Greek food in Greece than Ann Arbor? Well, I'll be damned!
Tex Treeder
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 12:20 a.m.
How bittersweet. While I'm happy to see Cafe Habana succeeding (great food, no surprise there), I always liked eating at Parthenon. A Greek salad and a shared saganaki appetizer made a nice lunch. I hope Parthenon is closing only so John and Steve Gavas can enjoy retirement. My thanks to them for running a great restaurant for many years.
LA
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 12:13 a.m.
I'm very excited for Habana! I love that place! This is a wonderful, visible, accessible location!!!!
rampage
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 12:02 a.m.
This is a bummer. I love the Parthenon. They have (had?) consistently excellent food and friendly service.
Roadman
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 11:58 p.m.
Over the last thirty years I have have enjoyed eating at the Parthenon. It was a well-run restaurant with excellent Greek food. The fact it was around as long as it was is a tribute to how well it was regarded by local customers. I thank John and Steve Gavas for putting together such a pleasant place to dine.
Rod Johnson
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 11:57 p.m.
Nooooooooooo
xmo
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 11:52 p.m.
Capitalism at Work, its great to see!
clownfish
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 2:18 p.m.
But XMO, Ann Arbor is full of socialists, nobody goes downtown anymore because of this. YOU told us this not one month ago. It is impossible to do business in A2 because of the communist City Council. What do these folks know that you don't?
Jessica Flood
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 11:51 p.m.
Can anyone confirm that it's still open? I'd love to go there this week, while I still have the chance. Thanks!
jns131
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 4:03 p.m.
When I lived near the downtown area I would frequent this place. Wow, what an icon. So sorry to see it go. The food was really good. Maybe a little place somewhere we can get our fix? Need to get back down there before it is gone. Thanks for updating us on this one.
djm12652
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 5:18 a.m.
I had skordalia left-overs this weekend and lemon rice soup today...once they close, I am gonna miss Steve, John, Maria, Dimitri and his stunt double...guess, I'm gonna have to ramp up my Lamb dishes at home now!
GirlNextDoor
Tue, Jan 24, 2012 : 12:14 a.m.
@Jessica: I just talked with an employee, and he said maybe a month or two. He doesn't know for sure; they will have a meeting in 3 weeks, and determine the closing date then. Still time to get your Parthenon *fix* before it's gone!
molly
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 11:52 p.m.
No kidding... one last hurrah! Parthenon will be missed!