PEABODY — Plans to replace Brothers Kouzina with a medical marijuana shop are on track despite a social media posting to the contrary by the popular Greek restaurant.
Co-owner Penny Christopher posted a message on the diner’s Facebook page over the weekend telling patrons: “We are pleased to announce that Brothers Kouzina will remain open at its existing location. Thank you all for your continued support.”
But executives from Phytotherapy Inc., one of two firms to get the green light from the City Council to open pot clinics on Route 1, say the statement is wrong.
“That posting took us by surprise,” said Pritesh Kumar, Phytotherapy’s CEO. “We are not moving locations, we have been permitted by the city. I’m not sure why the restaurant owner would put such a thing on Facebook.”
The restaurant is also owned by Christopher’s nephew, Alexander Athanas, who was listed as Phytotherapy’s chief financial officer until he was replaced by Vincent Galano III last fall. Athanas purchased the 1.4-acre restaurant site in 2015 for $2.5 million, according to county records.
He agreed to lease the 4,860-square-foot space to Phytotherapy, a medical marijuana dispensary, for $120,000 annually, according to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health records, while Brothers Kouzina would look for a new spot along Route 1.
Under the plan, the restaurant was expected to close by year’s end and move to another location. Last summer, Kumar said the transformation of the restaurant to a marijuana shop would take about three months. Now, he expects to open next spring or summer.
Kumar speculated the Facebook posting was an attempt to attract customers who may think the restaurant has closed.
Athanas agreed.
“It’s a way for the restaurant to let customers and residents know they’re still open,” he said. “Business has suffered a little since news stories appeared saying they are planning to close. Obviously, one of our main concerns is relocating the restaurant, but we haven’t found any spots to put it yet.”
Christopher did not respond to a request for comment.
