Chicago's Parthenon Greek Restaurant closes down abruptly after 50 years in Business - Widely credited with inventing saganaki — the flaming cheese appetizer that begins with a waiter’s scream of “Opa!”

On Monday, loyal customers streamed into The Parthenon for their last meal at Greektown’s oldest restaurant.

Only they didn’t know it.

By Tuesday, a sign was up at the restaurant, which is widely credited with inventing saganaki — the flaming cheese appetizer that begins with a waiter’s scream of “Opa!”

“After over 48 years in business we are sad to inform you that we are permanently closed,” the sign read. “We want to thank you for your support over the years and for the wonderful memories!”

James Manolakos, who runs the Pan Hellenic Pastry Shop with his sister Athena next door, called the Parthenon’s closing “heartbreaking.”

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