Papas Grille Closing - For Now

Sam Papanikas, co-owner and executive chef of the upscale Greek and Mediterranean restaurant, said they are awaiting the approval of permits before they stop serving as Papas, which should happen sometime around June 16.

The renovation won’t be superficial; it will be a transformation. “We are basically going to take it out, gut it and replace the restaurant,” Papanikas said. The renovations will take 10-12 weeks.

“I’m really excited,” said Papanikas, who will have a hands-on involvement in the process. “We are going to modernize the look and brand.”

When the restaurant reopens, it will do so under a new name. Papanikas said the name will be announced when new signs go up closer to the reopening.

The new name will not affect the quality of the service or the food. “It will be the same quality, but a bit more casual,” said Papanikas

According to Papanikas, the only difference will be the ambiance. “It will be cleaner and more modern, that’s really going to be it,” he said.

Papanikas said the restaurant has been in Loehmann’s Plaza for 18 years, but this is its first major renovation. The renovation is being done to coincide with the renovation of the shopping center. The shopping center will also reopen with a new name, Croasdaile Commons.