Historic Zisimos Store in Corfu Suspends Operations Amidst Licensing Dispute
Corfu, May 17 – The iconic Zisimos store, located in the heart of Liston, Corfu, has temporarily ceased its operations. The suspension, which began yesterday morning, stems from an ongoing dispute regarding the establishment’s operating license, specifically concerning its permitted activities within the historic premises.
The Core of the Dispute: A Clash Over Permitted Use
According to an official announcement from the Zisimos store management, the closure will remain in effect until the necessary operating permits are secured from the Municipality of Central Corfu and Diapontia Islands. The primary obstacle to obtaining this license is a document issued by the Ephorate of Antiquities of Corfu on April 21, 2026. This document asserts that the requested business activity is incompatible with the historical function of the store, stipulating that the space should be exclusively used as a café.
The store management has expressed strong disagreement with this interpretation, highlighting that the Zisimos establishment has historically offered more than just coffee. They point to the well-known “Zisimos variety,” a beloved local offering that included fried potatoes and meatballs, indicating a long-standing tradition of kitchen operations within the premises.
Municipality Challenges Antiquities Ephorate’s Stance
In response to the Ephorate’s position, the Municipality of Central Corfu sent an official reply on April 23, 2026, refuting the claims. The Municipality’s response underlined several key points:
- Similar or broader uses had been approved for the same store in the past.
- The same premises had previously hosted catering businesses, such as “Afoi Spathi” and “El Greco Street,” with activities that had received approval from the Ephorate of Antiquities itself.
- The use of the space as a “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 today, the Ephorate of Antiquities has not provided a new response to the Municipality’s letter, leading to a stalemate that prevents the issuance of the operating license and keeps the Zisimos store closed.
Claims of Unequal Treatment and Economic Viability Concerns
The Zisimos management views this situation as a serious issue of unequal treatment, especially given previous approvals for similar activities both within their own premises and in neighboring stores in the same area. They emphasize that the store has never historically functioned as a mere café.
Furthermore, the management argues that demanding the exclusive use of the space as a café for such a large and historic commercial area, considering current operating costs and the exceptionally high rents in the region, would practically lead to a scenario where only large multinational coffee chains, like Starbucks, could financially sustain and operate the establishment.
Call for Immediate Resolution
The Zisimos store management respects the history and character of the establishment and is awaiting the immediate completion of procedures by the competent authorities to provide a fair and lawful solution. The temporary closure raises concerns among local citizens, with one commenter on Corfu TV News stating, “Are they bringing up archaeology again? The fact that the ‘kantounia’ are filled with umbrellas and chairs, the chaos in Agios’ kantouni, the extensions of shops, the fact that bins have spread to areas that do not align with the culture of the City, no one sees. But it bothered them that ‘Zisimos’ is not a 60s cafe. So, charge them rent from that era if you want it to be a cafe. Otherwise, compensate the entrepreneur and close it forever. Let it become a ruin, it is common in Corfu of interests.”
The situation underscores the complexities of balancing historical preservation with modern commercial demands in culturally significant areas.
