It didn’t take Pete Contos long to make his mark on Denver’s restaurant scene when he emigrated from Greece in 1955, opening a number of popular dining spots over the next few decades, including Pete’s Gyros Place and Pete’s Kitchen.

He passed away in 2019, and while Pete’s Greek Town Cafe hung on through the pandemic and his loss, it now has closed and the empty spot, said Denverite, is a sad reminder of how much he meant to the city.

“It’s a disappointing sight for regulars, who went to Pete’s Greek Town Cafe for the saganaki flaming cheese, the spanakopita-spinach pies, the mousaka and the endless cups of coffee,” the site said, and sandwiches and fries under $10 too.

The structure is abandoned and dilapidated and a deal for Dave’s Hot Chicken, a trendy California chain, to take it over fell through and a For Sale sign remains on the building as Contos’  widow, Elizabeth Contos, said a tenant would be welcome.

One thing’s sure: if another restaurant lands on the the spot it won’t fill the hole left by what Pete Contos brought the city and food lovers.