Fountain Square's Santorini Greek Kitchen is closing

Santorini Greek Kitchen's owners announced Tuesday that they would close the nearly 18-year-old restaurant at the end of the week.

Owners Taki and Jeanette Sawi said the decision to close was an extremely painful one, but they needed to focus on their other business, the Biltwell Event Center, and Jeanette's undisclosed health issues.

"We're just finding not enough time to do everything we need to do to keep the quality where we want it," Jeanette said. "We're not closing our doors because we can't do it. We want to end on top, keeping it good."

The restaurant's last day of business at 1417 Prospect St. will be Saturday, but they will maintain the Santorini brand through a catering and carryout company within the Biltwell, at 950 S. White River Parkway West Drive.

"As long as there's a breath in his body, his food will be available," she said.

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Taki was born in Egypt and moved to Greece as a child. He and Jeanette met in 1997 in Santorini, Greece, and he emigrated to the U.S. two years later. The couple's "baby," Santorini Greek Kitchen, was born in Fountain Square in 2001.

"It was a very hard decision to make for both of us," Taki said. "It's been our baby for almost 18 years."

But one business had to give, he said.

"When you have two business running at the same time, it's like a coach for two teams," Taki said. "You're not giving 100 percent to any one of them."

The Sawis, both 52, posted the closing to Facebook on Tuesday, and received an overwhelming show of support, Jeanette said. Within an hour, the post received more than 200 comments and 300 shares.

"I dreaded (posting) that so much," she said. "Everybody is being very supportive of us, and they're concerned about us as people and they've watched us throughout the years and know how hard we work. Working in a restaurant is like dog years."

She joked that she "ruined a lot of people's days today."

"I did just have someone call and make a reservation and he asked us if he could talk us out of closing," she said.

Taki will continue working at Biltwell, and Jeanette will help as needed.

"I can tease and say retirement, but that probably won't happen," she said. "It will be modified hours. It's not nearly as physically involved as over here. And it takes me down to one full time job instead of two."

Santorini moved from is original Shelby Street location about 16 years ago to its current one on Prospect Street before many of the bars, restaurants and other businesses opened. The move, the Sawis said, made it easier for other businesses to follow suit.

"We moved out on Prospect Street long before anybody else did," Jeanette said. "It just enlarged Fountain Square."

The restaurant was shut down in 2010 for two months after a massive accidental electrical fire caused $800,000 damage.

The Sawis plan to lease the Santorini building, including the neighboring parking lot and liquor license.

"Thank you very, very much and what an honor to be your chef for 17 years, and Jeanette, your host for 17 years," Taki said. "We appreciate everything from the bottom of our hearts."

Call IndyStar reporter Amy Bartner at (317) 444-6752. Follow her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.