It feels like every day another iconic L.A. restaurant is closing or struggling—which is why it’s all the more heartbreaking that Papa Cristo’s, the longtime Greek restaurant at the corner of Pico and Normandie, is closing its doors on May 4. Originally founded as an import company in 1948 by Sam Chrys, this family-run neighborhood institution predates the formation of Koreatown as we know and love it today.  Chrys Chrys, the son of Sam, confirmed the news and announced the final day of service in an Instagram post on April 3. “After 77 unforgettable years on the corner of Pico and Normandie, it’s time for me to hang up my apron and for us to say goodbye (for now),” the current owner of Papa Cristo’s wrote. “We will close this chapter with our hearts full of love and gratitude for the incredible community that has supported us for generations.” Chrys bought the original Greek import business from his father in 1968, turning it into a restaurant in the early 1990s. In 2010, Chrys’s daughter Annie joined the family business. On April 1, the restaurant property was spotted on Loopnet with an asking price of $5.2 million.  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Papa Cristo’s Greek Food (@papacristos) According to Chrys himself, Papa Cristo’s will live on in some form. “The story of Papa Cristo’s doesn’t end here—exciting things are coming,” the restaurant’s owner wrote at the end of his farewell message. The family already have a pre-existing line of herb and spice blends, along with frozen spanakopita and feta phyllo wraps previously available at Whole Foods and Bristol Farms. While the counter-service restaurant has never reached the level of critical acclaim of some old-school joints like Langer’s and Philippe’s, Papa Cristo’s has long been a beloved, affordable mainstay for Angelenos from all over the city and parishioners of St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral, which is located across the street. Menu highlights include the saganaki, moussaka, baklava and avgolemono, as well as the all-you-can-eat Sunday barbecue spread, which costs $30 per person. And yes, the restaurant is still open for another month—so if you want one last taste of Papa Cristo’s, there’s time for you to head on over. Papa Cristo’s is located at 2771 W Pico Blvd. Hours of operation are Wednesday and Thursday, 10am to 6pm, and Friday through Sunday, 9:30am to 7pm. Make sure to check out the other famous L.A. restaurants we think are actually worth trying.  ...read more read less