Long-Time Mobile Business Closes Its Doors

Alabama Mobile Owners of Roussos Restaurant cite tough economic times.

by Steve Alexander

Published: Sun, August 23, 2009 - 7:13 pm CST Last Updated: Sun, August 23, 2009 - 7:50 pm CST

Fifty-five people are looking for jobs after the closing of a Mobile dining institution.
Roussos Restaurant in Daphne closed its doors Sunday.
Family members said they've been in business since 1954.
When asked what Sunday was like, owner Georgia Roussos said, "Very emotional for all four of us."
Georgia Roussos's mother, Zinnia Roussos, said closing day was "devastating, unreal. The economy closes us, and that has just killed us."
Georgia's brother, John Roussos, said, "Its been hard for mother to accept this. She's been doing this all her life. She's 84."
Some customers have followed Roussos from the Causeway, where it was destroyed by Hurricane Frederic, to downtown Mobile, to the Eastern Shore.
Jim Pearson said he and his wife would travel from Milton, Florida to eat at Roussos on weekends.
Pearson said, "We go to church down the street at the Civic Center. We stop here afterwards for lunch every Sunday."
Customer Joaquin Holloway, Junior said, "I'm sorry they're closing, but we look forward to some brighter things in the future. And who knows what the future holds?"
But the owners were thinking more of their employees than of themselves.
Jimmy Roussos said, "We've got the best employees in this community. If anybody needs employees, please have them call us. We have good, loyal, hardworking employees that I'd like to find jobs for."
The Roussos aren't going out of business entirely.
They said they will concentrate their efforts full time on their catering business.

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rolltide33 Says:

Mon, Aug 24, 2009 at 4:09 pm

Well spoken sheltie. They made several costly mistakes, the first of which was moving to that location in Eastern Shore Center several years ago. I guess by the time the moved to 98 it was too late. The ship was sunk.

sheltiedad Says:

Mon, Aug 24, 2009 at 2:24 pm

Roussos prime was in the 60s & 70s. They chose not to change their business model to compete in modern times. They continued with smaller portions and higher prices. I remember my father and I leaving Roussos one time in the late 70s still hungry and wanting to stop at the Dew Drop to get a hot dog for the ride home. The women with us were full and happy.

A restaurant can get by with higher prices if the food and service are worth the extra cost in the eyes of the diner. Felix’s, Ed’s, Original Oyster House, Lighthouse, and even the Wolf Bay Lodge all stay busy. Food is good and plentiful, service is quick and friendly. People feel they get their money’s worth.

If Roussos had changed over the years they might have remained a viable business instead of ending up like Constantines, Korbets, Nautilus, and many others.

rolltide33 Says:

Mon, Aug 24, 2009 at 1:38 pm

Good ridance. Maybe someone will come in and serve quality food for a competitive price.