CLIFTON – After more than half a century The Famous Midtown Grill in Clifton, NJ has closed.
“The grill, known for its burgers, hotdogs, and Greek fare, opened in 1959 at 1218 Main Ave. It was sold to the most recent owners, Gerasimos ‘Gerry’ Dimitratos and Dimitrios Doris in 1998…Dimitratos would not say why the business closed, but records show owners filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy about a year ago,” the Clifton Journal reported.
Banners have appeared on the building announcing that Lucky’s Steak Plate, which is based in Fair Lawn-based restaurant, will operate will take over in October.
“On the morning of Aug. 28, patrons in the eatery were told that day would be the last for The Famous Midtown Grill. The owners announced the closing and thanked the patrons. Owner Gerry Dimitratos, called generous by many residents, said he would continue to offer some of the food items at the Athenia Cafe formerly called the Mini Midtown Grill, located in the Athenia Steel Park Recreational Complex while offering catering services through the new business named Gerry D’s Catering.”
After Super Storm Sandy “the Grill opened its doors to locals as a place to warm up, charge their electronic devices, and grab a hot meal. It was reported that Dimitratos extended a grace period to patrons with no access to money due to the power outage, assuring them they could pay for their meal in days or weeks to come….Debbie Oliver, director of the Recreation Department said Dimitratos has always gone ‘above and beyond’ when it comes to Clifton. Oliver said in 2004 Dimitratos received the Department’s Vendor of the Year Award for his participation and catering events such as a children’s camp, ‘daddy-daughter date’ nights, and ‘dinner and a movie’ nights,” according to the Journal.