Vernon Inn may relocate for convenience store project

Cedar Rapids' only Greek restaurant, a Mount Vernon Road landmark for 35 years,  plans to relocate early next year to make way for a Kum 'n Go convenience store.

Vernon Inn/The Greek Place will close at the end of this year if a deal in the works with Kum & Go convenience store chain is completed, owner Basil Hadjis said. It would relocate to 2874 Mount Vernon Road, the former home of Sweet basil's Pizza Pie, in March or early April.

The new restaurant will offer take out foods from the menus of the Vernon Inn and Sweet Basil's Pizza Pie, Hadjis said. The latter restaurant was formerly operated by Hadjis at the 2874 Mount Vernon Road location, but was combined with the Vernon Inn location.

The Vernon Inn gained a strong and loyal following among Cedar Rapids diners for its authentic Greek fare, intimate atmosphere and good service over the years. Hadjis said the full-service segment of the restaurant industry has declined during the recession, however, and he began to consider selling  the restaurant.

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