Merrillvilles Patio restaurant to close Jan. 31

MERRILLVILLE | For more than 40 years The Patio restaurant has been a landmark Merrillville restaurant.

It has hosted weddings, showers, banquets and numerous political events. In its heyday it was the favored place for politicians to meet.

But, as of Jan. 31, the restaurant, well-known in Northwest Indiana for its seafood and steak, will close its doors at 7706 Broadway for financial reasons, co-owner Debra Batistatos said. The last day the dining room will be open is Friday. There will be two final pre-scheduled events held Jan. 31.

Batistatos said anyone having an event scheduled after Jan. 31 is being notified of the closing and deposits will be refunded.

Batistatos and her husband, Nick, took over the restaurant from Nick Kaiafas in October 2006.

We appreciate all the people who have been our regulars and people that have supported us over the years, certainly our employees that have stuck by us, Batistatos said.

About 15 to 20 part-time employees will lose their jobs, Batistatos said.

It was a rough decision made with a heavy heart that we finally had to say that we were going to do it, Batistatos said.

Plans for the restaurant are uncertain at this time, Batistatos said.

Longtime local politician Lake County Auditor John Petalas often frequented The Patio during its heyday. Petalas held and attended many fundraisers there.

More:
Merrillvilles Patio restaurant to close Jan. 31