When the Acropolis Grill opened 25 years ago in Chattanooga, Tennessee, there were predictions it wouldn't last, co-owner Betty Kyriakidis said, beating the odds then over competition, and now over the COVID-19 pandemic that kept restaurants locked down.

"Everything else in the area was a chain,” she told The Chattanoogan. “They all said you’ll never make it against the big guys, but we did it anyway, and we’re still here.”

To show support to the community that kept them going during take-outs with the virus raging, the family donated $1,000 in Acropolis gift cards to victims of a tornado, and more than 300 meals to victims and volunteers

The Acropolis Grill opened its doors in July, 1995 and a quarter century of food service to the community followed. The authentic restaurant has earned its place as a Chattanooga staple where dining out is concerned, the site reported.

“We want to give a big ‘thank you’ to the Chattanooga community,” said fellow owner Nick Kyriakidis said. “We know we could not continue without your ongoing support,” saying his family wanted to show support too during the pandemic and tornado.