Sometimes it’s good when it’s all Greek

   Resurrections. I wish we could see more of them. I wish entrepreneurs would refrain from hiring developers to tear down trees to build new strip malls and business parks, when instead they could bring existing buildings back to life. That’s what Muzo Saritas did with his Metro Diner at the East Park Place entrance to Highway 78 in Lilburn.

   The building was originally Black Eyed Pea, and then changed to City Café. When the latter went out of business, Saritas saw the opportunity not only to resurrect the building, but also to resurrect an era.

   “I wanted to bring the 50’s style diner back with a classier look,” he said of his New York style diner. “I studied New York diners and tried to stick with colors that are simple. I used metal, mirrors and marble combined with my own taste to create an upscale diner with really good prices and good service.”

   The resurrection was not an easy task. It took six months for Saritas to tear down the entire inside including the kitchen to achieve the look he wanted. 

   Saritas, who is half Greek and half Turkish, immigrated to America at age seventeen. Since then he’s worked as a maitre de on cruise ships and opened hotels for the Marriott Corporation, for which he oversaw the food and beverages. For four years, he owned Cedar Creek Grill in Duluth. 

   His diner’s name is derived from Greek, his kitchen is staffed with Greek chefs, but his menu totally reflects the diversity of the county. He offers 500 menu items from all-American hamburgers to matzoth ball soup, which is served daily. 

   “Everything is made from scratch, even the matzoth balls,” Saritas said.

   The Metro Diner is open 24-7 and breakfast specials run from 11:00 p.m. to 11:00 a.m. All meals are affordably priced and can be complemented with a fine selection of wines and beers. And the desserts you must see – and taste - to believe. Good service is a very high priority, and Saritas learned a lot about service from his brother who owns a restaurant in Istanbul.

   “My brother has been number one in service in Europe for four years,” he said.

   Metro Diner has been open for a little over a month, but business has been so lively that Saritas is planning to resurrect the old Mick’s restaurant in Atlanta for his second diner location.

   Speaking of resurrections, if you like to celebrate the greatest Resurrection of all by going out to eat after church, Saritas is running an Easter special today. If on the other hand, you’ve already planned to cook at home, not to worry. Greeks will celebrate Easter on April 23, so of course he’ll be running a special feast next Sunday for you to enjoy. How’s that for service?


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