No, John's Country Kitchen is not closing

Jimmy Margiotis of Plaza-Midwood landmark John's Country Kitchen tells us he's heard the rumors, too, but no, he and his mother, Margaret, are not closing the place. He is, however, working on opening a new place: a pizza restaurant, with Philly cheesesteaks and more (but no plans for breakfast), at the former Carmela's at Carmel Commons. He's shooting for an October opening there. Details to come.

As far as John's (which Margiotis took over running from his dad, John, in 1984) goes, he says he has about 4 1/2 years left on his lease, and currently plans to stay open through the end of that. Known for its simple diner menu with Greek overtones (hot cakes to country-style steak to souvlaki), spare decor and for serving brains and eggs for breakfast, it's won plenty of regulars in its 35 years at 1518 Central Ave.