Park Plaza Diner closes after 42 years in Brooklyn Heights
After four decades in the neighborhood, the food there has become just a bonus for longtime customers.
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The Park Plaza Diner is closing its doors after 42 years in Brooklyn.
It's a community staple that owner Dimitri Likourentzos never imagined letting go of.
"It's a lot of emotion,” said Likourentzos. “It's not easy. I've been part of this business since I was a child, since I was 5 years old. My knuckles have a lot of the potato peeling scars from when I was a kid."
It's a family business he inherited from his father, who instilled those same family values in Park Plaza over the years.
"He never said no to anybody,” said Likourentzos. “He even went to the point of going out of his way to take leftover food. That's what I saw. That's why I am me."
After four decades in the neighborhood, the food there has become just a bonus for longtime customers.
"I called my mother,” said Denae Jenkins, a customer of 40 years. “Texted the pics I saw on Facebook. I was like, our spot is closing. Where are we going to go to have breakfast now?"
"My mother lived upstairs in the building,” said Diane Jenkins. “We would always come and eat with her. It is devastating. We were here last night for our last dinner, and now we're here for our last brunch. This is a wonderful place to be, and we're going to miss it.
Despite the financial challenges that accumulated over the past five years, Dimitri says he fought to the very end.
It's the people who kept him going.
"All of a sudden, the restaurant just got quiet,” said Likourentzos. “It was like being in a relationship that you grew to love so much and having to watch it die, and I know there's nothing I could do about it."
He hopes the hugs from customers are just a see you later for now.
"This was never a job,” said Likourentzos. “This is a connection to the biggest family I've ever had. I might be cash broke right now, but I'm the richest man on this planet. A part of me will get left behind in this place."
