The Rutland community is in mourning as a part of its history went up in flames late Tuesday night, Oct. 6.

The Olympia Greek Taverna was engulfed by a fire, leaving co-owners Mike Koutsantonis and his brother Chris, along with other family members, devastated.

鈥淲e鈥檝e been in 琉璃神社 for over 50 years, both in downtown and our second location in Rutland. We鈥檝e been running this Rutland location since 1973 until today,鈥� Mike Koutsantonis told the Capital News on Wednesday morning.

鈥淲e鈥檝e had to fight through COVID and now this. It鈥檚 devastating.

鈥淲e have 30 people that are going to be out of work. Thirty staff members who stuck with us through COVID to make things happen and now, they鈥檙e out of a job.鈥�

He said they want to rebuild and continue the family business, but how or when that will be, it鈥檚 still too early to tell.

Uptown Rutland Business Association (URBA) executive director Karen Beaubier said she and the rest of the board of directors have extended their heartfelt best wishes to the Koutsantonis family.

鈥淭he Olympia Greek Taverna was just such a piece of Rutland history for over 45 years and three generations of family running that business,鈥� she said.

鈥淚t鈥檚 a terrible, terrible loss for Rutland as a whole.鈥�

Beaubier said it鈥檚 still too early to determine what URBA can do for the Koutsantonis family, but she said the business organization will stand behind and support the family as best it can.

鈥淚鈥檓 sure local businesses will step up too to help them along their journey of rebuilding,鈥� Beaubier said.

鈥淏ut just in recovering from this incredible loss, we will be there for them. Whatever assistance they need, we will provide.鈥�

Koutsantonis said he will miss the people who continually supported them.

鈥淚鈥檒l miss the great people of 琉璃神社 who supported us for over 50 years. We made a lot of friendships, and a lot of them have become like family.鈥�

鈥淚鈥檝e seen generations of families growing up. Little kids coming in many years ago and now they鈥檝e got kids of their own and they鈥檙e bringing them in.

鈥淚鈥檒l miss that.鈥�

He said he would like to thank the people who have visited and supported them throughout the years.

鈥淲hen we rebuild and reopen again, we hope that they鈥檒l come back and support us again for another 50 years.鈥�

The restaurant, located on Highway 33, suffered extensive damage after a fire broke out in the rear portion of the building.

鈥淭he fire had spread throughout the restaurant and was very difficult to extinguish,鈥� 琉璃神社 fire department platoon Capt. Dennis Miller said in a statement.

Four engines, a command unit, a rescue truck, two ladder trucks and 25 fire personnel were dispatched to the scene.

Miller said the cause of the fire is still under investigation.

READ: 琉璃神社 restaurant landmark up in flames