NEWS

Sebastian’s Greek Restaurant transitions into next chapter with new ownership

Founder Alex Vassilou has sold the longtime Cincinnati-favorite eatery to
friend and restaurateur Adel Samaan 

Cincinnati (August 3, 2022) – Don’t worry – the gyros are staying. But Alex is ready to move on. 

Sebastian’s Greek Restaurant founder Alex Vassilou has sold his longtime Cincinnati-favorite eatery to friend and restaurateur Adel Samaan for an undisclosed amount. In a deal that was finalized last week, Mr. Samaan has purchased both the West Price Hill restaurant and the building, located at 5209 Glenway Avenue, from Vassilou, who has owned the dining spot since 1976. 

“After close to 50 years of serving the community here at Sebastian’s, I am finally ready to retire and spend more time with my family, especially my grandchildren,” said Vassilou. “I’m very happy to send off Sebastian’s with a good man and my good friend, Mr. Adel Samaan, and I hope the community will still continue to support and enjoy Sebastian’s for a long time to come.” 

Mr. Vassilou and Mr. Samaan have a lot in common. Both are immigrants to the United States and restaurant industry veterans – Mr. Samaan since 1979, Mr. Vassilou since 1976. And both have owned eateries on Cincinnati’s West Side – Mr. Samaan has owned Gold Star Chili in Western Hills for two decades. But only one is actually Greek (Vassilou) while one is Greek at heart (Samaan).

“Sebastian’s is like my neighbor, and I’ve always been a fan. As a longtime west side business owner, I know how cherished Sebastian’s is to Cincinnati,” said Mr. Samaan. “I’m looking forward to honoring its legacy while also helping oversee its next phase.”

Understanding the valued history of the restaurant, Mr. Samaan says that he has no plans to change the menu that Sebastian’s customers have loved for years. Nevertheless, customers can anticipate enhancements to both the dining room and takeaway experiences in the coming months. Mr. Samaan explains that he intends to expand Sebastian’s offerings into the online food ordering and delivery space in an effort to reach more communities, as well revive elements of the interior, exterior, and digital spaces. The restaurant is anticipated to remain open during that time period.

A formal unveiling of the refreshed Sebastian’s Greek Restaurant is anticipated in the fall.

Samaan has been in the local restaurant business since arriving to the United States from Jordan in 1975. While obtaining his degree in electrical engineering from the University of Dayton, he worked multiple jobs – including a shift at a nearby Gold Star Chili, owned by his cousins, the Daoud Brothers – and purchased his first restaurant with them in 1983. At one point owning and operating three Gold Star Chili locations simultaneously, he acquired the Gold Star Chili at 6176 Glenway Avenue in 1995 – just up the road from Sebastian’s. And like Vassilou, he has been side-by-side with his customers almost every day, which is how the transition will proceed. Vassilou plans to personally assist Samaan with the process on-site until the middle of August. 

Mr. Samaan resides on Cincinnati’s east side with his wife of nearly 40 years and business partner, Faten. When he’s not working, he enjoys spending time with his three children and six (soon-to-be seven) grandchildren, and of course, enjoying local restaurants. 

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