After reaching many highs in LA’s culinary world, the celebrated George’s Greek Cafe shut down on April 27. ceased operations after its owner was evicted due to unpaid rent dating back to last summer. This marked the end of the Pine Avenue restaurant’s legacy.
Highlights
- George’s Greek Cafe started serving its delicious Greek dishes at Pine Avenue in 1999.
- The eatery has been ordered closed owing to non-payment of rent by its latest owner, Behnam Ghasseminejad.
- The Greek restaurant’s legacy continues through its offerings at the Belmont Shore location.
Due Rent Forces Closure of George’s Greek Cafe
Seating arrangement at George’s Greek Cafe (Source: Google Reviews)
The restaurant became a cult favorite in Downtown Long Beach after it started serving its mouthwatering range of Greek delicacies in 1999. But heartbreaking news emerged for food lovers in the area as George’s Greek Cafe owner was evicted for nonpayment of rent for over a year.
For years, the restaurant and bar were owned by the Loizides family, who served the LA crowd on Pine Avenue. The Loizides’ then sold the restaurant in 2023 to a company run by Behnam Ghasseminejad, who hails from Beverly Hills.
However, he stopped paying rent for the Pine Avenue place in July 2024, which led to a due payment of over $70,000. Matters worsened for George’s Greek Cafe when a legal battle unfolded.
The court instructed Ghasseminejad and his company to make their way out of the Pine Avenue property and pay penalties worth $194,200. As a result, operations were stopped at the eatery.
Legacy of the LA-based Greek Eatery
Greek food items at George’s Greek Cafe (Source: Google Reviews)
The Pine Avenue-based food establishment had been offering classic Greek dishes, including lamb chops and moussaka, since its launch in the late 90s. It was started by the Zimbabwe native George Loizides, who migrated to Long Beach in 1980.
Originally named George’s Greek Deli, the food facility was expanded to Belmont Shore in 2006. Two years later, a new branch of George’s Greek Cafe was opened in Lakewood.
Nicky Loizides, the daughter of the original owner of the cafe, stated that her father and mother, Rodou Loizides, spent most of their time at the Pine Avenue eatery.
George Loizides breathed his last in 2019, followed shortly after by Rodou.
Ownership Division of the Family-run Restaurant
After George and his wife passed away, the Greek cafe’s ownership was split among their three kids. Right before their death, Demitri Loizides moved to Solvang. Euripides Loizides could not take the restaurant’s charge, citing medical reasons. The only one left was Nicky Loizides, who now supervises all three locations.
The Downtown and Lakewood locations were sold off in 2023, and Nicky took majority ownership of the Belmont Shore outlet.
A Drive to Keep the Heritage Alive
Throwing light on her current endeavor at the Belmont Shore location, Nicky stated that she serves her mother’s recipes at the establishment. Additionally, she takes care of the bar and bookkeeping activities.
Nicky shared her thoughts on keeping her parents’ legacy alive through the Greek food offerings, including lamb chops, at the Belmont Shore location.
The closure of George’s Greek Cafe highlights not only the loss of a cherished restaurant but also the end of a chapter for a family tied to its legacy. Behnam Ghasseminejad’s financial missteps have indeed led to a setback, but the eatery’s legacy lives on through its last outlet in Belmont Shore.
