One of Red Deer's oldest restaurants will soon permanently close its doors after operating for nearly 50 years in downtown Red Deer.
Saro's Restaurant owners John and Carla Giannioudis recently announced they have sold the building, located at 4914 52 St., which has been the home to the establishment for a number of years. The Greek restaurant's dining room closes Friday, Jan. 31, but takeout and delivery will continue until Sunday, Feb. 2.
"It's been a great 46 years," John Giannioudis said on Monday, Jan. 20.
"We've met some great people and formed some really good relationships over the years. The saddest part is that we aren't going to be able to see our regulars as often."
John Giannioudis was just four years old when his parents Anastasia and Sarantos Giannioudis opened Saro's in February 1979 — it was initially located in a building on Ross Street, but later moved to its current location on 52 Street.
"My uncle is a plumber by trade and he was working in Red Deer in the late 1970s. He told my dad, 'You guys have to come out here and open a restaurant.' There wasn't much here at the time. Our family made the move here — it was kind of a big gamble for them, but it worked out really well," he said.
John Giannioudis bought Saro's from his parents about 17 years ago. Now 50 years old, John Giannioudis says that restaurant has been "a home" to him for the majority of his life.
"We spent so much time in here. Even when were younger, my friends would always come over and eat pizza. Our parents would get us to do a bit of work, too," he said with a laugh.
"When you're younger, you don't really reflect on that kind of stuff, but looking back, it's been such a big part of our lives. A lot of sacrifices were made over the years too. Having kids, you aren't always able to watch them play sports and stuff like that because you're always here."
John and Carla Giannioudis, who have two children in their 20s, decided they were going to sell the business in winter 2019.
"I'd been here for so long. I realized I'm still young and wanted to do something else, while being able to spend more time with my wife and kids. ... I wanted us to have that freedom where we can take off for a weekend to do things," he said.
But when COVID-19 hit, the family decided to delay those plans.
"We roughed it out and then listed the building about a year and a half ago. It was on the market for a while," said John.
The building was purchased by a person from Grande Prairie. John Giannioudis said the new owner will open a new restaurant in the building.
"I can't thank all of our customers enough for their support over the years. Without them, we wouldn't have been here. They played a big role," he said.