Forced to close because of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Yia Yia Mary's Mediterranean Kitchen in Houston is coming back – as Yia Yia Pappas, said Christina Pappas, the restaurant group's Director of Marketing.

Culture Map said that the eatery known for its Mediterranean and seafood dishes is being revived and revitalized as the health crisis is slowly being beaten back, but not before taking scores of thousands of restaurants with it.

“It’s too special of a restaurant. Not only is it important for our family, it’s such a unique brand,” she said, the Houston Post reported. “It was a perfect fit – a property we own and a brand we think will do well in that neighborhood.”

Pappas Restaurants closed Yia Yia Mary’s, along with the Richmond Pappadeaux and three other restaurants when the pandemic swept through Houston. But the rebranded Yia Yia Pappas is expected to open in 2022 with a menu featuring many of the Greek-inspired dishes as the original, said Pappas, including grilled octopus, red pepper feta dip and gyro pita sandwiches. “To bring it back will be really special,” she also said.