GREEKTOWN — Following two failed health inspections, iconic Greektown restaurant The Parthenon has been shut down by the city.
According to Chicago Health Department records, the restaurant failed two recent health inspections. On March 22, the restaurant was cited for roaches, rodent droppings and other violations including no hot water in a women's restroom.
On March 29, the restaurant failed again.
While some violations had been corrected, city inspectors said they found "12 rodent droppings in the basement" and "approx. 30 live roaches in the kitchen, dishwashing area and in the employee restroom," among other problems.
The restaurant has been closed since March 22, said Matt Smith, a spokesman for the Chicago Department of Health.
Joanna "Yanna" Liakouras, a co-owner of the restaurant, acknowledged Thursday afternoon that The Parthenon had been closed. The restaurant is hoping to pass reinspection soon and reopen Friday, she said.
The restaurant requested a follow-up inspection Thursday and inspectors plan to reinspect Friday, Smith said.
"If they pass, they'll be reopened," Smith said.
Chicagoist reported that a license suspended sticker was seen stuck on a window of the restaurant as of Wednesday night.
The restaurant opened in 1968.
"It is unquestionably one of Chicago's most popular restaurants as well as the city's oldest full-service, classic Greek restaurant," its website says.
In March, Parthenon owners opened Aviva, a Mediterranean restaurant, in The Parthenon's former banquet room at 310 S. Halsted St.
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