Corfu, May 17, 2026 – The renowned Zisimos store, a landmark in Corfu’s Liston area, has announced a temporary suspension of its operations. The closure, which began yesterday morning, May 17, 2026, stems from an ongoing dispute regarding the necessary operating licenses, primarily involving the Ephorate of Antiquities of Corfu and the Municipality of Central Corfu and Diapontia Islands.
Licensing Impasse Halts Operations
According to a clarifying statement issued by the Zisimos store, the establishment will remain closed until it receives the required operating permits from the Municipality of Central Corfu and Diapontia Islands. The core of the issue lies with a document from the Ephorate of Antiquities of Corfu, dated April 21, 2026, which states that the requested activity for the store is inconsistent with its historical function, and therefore, only a café use should be maintained in the space.
Municipality Challenges Antiquities Ephorate’s Stance
In response, on April 23, 2026, the Municipality of Central Corfu officially challenged the Ephorate’s position. The Municipality highlighted several key points, arguing that:
- Similar or broader uses had been approved for the same store in the past.
- The space had previously hosted catering businesses, such as “Afoi Spathi” and “El Greco Street,” activities that had received approval from the Ephorate of Antiquities itself.
- The use of “restaurant” is normally permitted in this specific location according to the Building Services.
- The Municipality also requested the revocation of the negative opinion from the Ephorate.
As of now, there has been no further response from the Ephorate of Antiquities since the Municipality’s reply. This lack of resolution has prevented the issuance of the operating license, forcing the Zisimos store to remain closed.
Claims of Unequal Treatment and Historical Context
The management of Zisimos believes this situation creates a significant issue of unequal treatment, especially given previous approvals for similar activities both in their own premises and in neighboring stores in the same area. They also emphasize that Zisimos historically never operated solely as a simple café. A notable example is the famous “Zisimos variety,” remembered by generations of Corfiots, which included, among other things, fried potatoes and meatballs – an offering that presupposes a kitchen operation in the space.
Furthermore, the statement clarifies that the store did not operate uninterruptedly as “Zisimos” for 100 years, as other businesses with different activities and corresponding approvals have operated in the same space at various times.
Economic Viability and Future Concerns
The store’s management also expresses concern that demanding an exclusive café use for such a large and historic commercial space, with current operating costs and particularly high rents in the area, would practically lead to a situation where only large multinational coffee chains, like Starbucks, could financially sustain and operate the store.
Zisimos respects the history and character of the establishment and anticipates the immediate completion of procedures by the competent authorities to provide a fair and lawful solution. The temporary closure underscores the complexities faced by businesses operating in historically significant locations, balancing preservation with commercial viability.
Source: Corfu TV News
