Downtown Lansing eatery to close

It might seem like a news fluff piece to talk about another eatery shutting its doors. But the story of Dimitri’s is a different kettle of fish.

Since 1974, the small eatery just a block from the Capitol, has been serving up hamburgers, hot dogs and other diner fair to customers. But the place has also played home to political elbow rubbing, with lawmakers and lobbyists together sitting at tables and discussing legislation and political intrigue.

Former Governors John Engler and James Blanchard used to frequent the place for rice pudding, the Lansing State Journal reports.

But Dimitri and Martha Stathopoulos are calling it quits. They say they are in the final stages of selling the building the diner is located in and shutting down is part of the deal. Their son, Stamati says he plans to open a new place this fall over on Lansing’s west side. His mother Martha will be helping, but Dimitri is retiring and hanging up his short order spatula.

And thus ends the illustrious career of a go-to eatery which became a community icon and a staple for many.