Brooklyn's El Greco Diner serves last meal after 40 years in business

SHEEPSHEAD BAY (WABC) -- It's time to say "antio" to the El Greco.

The diner has been an institution in Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn, serving hungry customers around the clock since the 1970s, but it served its last meal Friday night.

The neighborhood gathered to bid a final farewell to the favorite neighborhood eatery, now closing after 40 years in business.

"It's the end of an era," co-owner George Venetoklis said.

"We are really sad," George's mother and co-woner Anastasia said. "It's an institution around here."

Patrons gathered to order their last meal at El Greco and salute the family that served them for decades.

"I've been here 40 years," one patron said. "Even the first day since it first opened."

George and his brother Peter were just tots when their father opened the business in 1974.

"(I) grew up here," George said. "This place is my playground."

Anastasia took over the place when their father died.

The diner has received a huge amount of support in its last hours of business.

"I came here with my cousin," one regular said. "We were here every St. Patrick's Day."

Among the family's favorite memories are giving back to this Brooklyn neighborhood. Every Thanksgiving, they hosted a traditional feast for 600 people in need.

"She did that as a memory after her husband passed 17 years ago," one diner said. "(It) just shows how nice of a family they are."

The diner is estimated to have been sold for around $13 million to $15 million and is expected to be converted into a residential building with commercial spaces.

Neighbors say Sheepshead Bay will never be the same.

Eyewitness News wishes the family best of luck.