Green Olive Diner has closed its doors for good as the owners prepare for a fresh start and a fresh name.
“it was a really sad time” on Sunday afternoon when the last customers left the business, said Kelli-Marie Malke, who has managed the Meriden restaurant for the last three years for her husband, Brian Balik, who has owned the business for 16 years.
“It was really devastating and we were heartbroken,” Malke said. “We supported the community. We supported the high schools, church groups and did trunk or treats and vender events. We helped whenever we could.”
The diner that was known for its calzones, stromboli and other Italian and Mediterranean dishes served breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Malke said the reason the business is leaving the 477 South Broad Street location is because rent had gone up on the property. She said the rent spiked significantly in December.
“We looked for other places in Meriden and Wallingford but nothing that suited our needs,” Malke said. “I said, ‘It’s time for a fresh start’ (and) that’s what we are doing. It’s a fresh start and a fresh name.”
The owners of Green Olive Diner on Broad Street in Meriden recently closed the restaurant for good after rent had gone up significantly on the property. (Courtesy of Green Olive Diner)
The East Haven couple is moving into their new home at 230 East Main Street in Branford later this month. They will take over G&P Pizza, Deli & Convenience, turning the convenience store part of the property into the dining room.
“It’s an existing pizza business of a pizza takeout restaurant and a convenience store. We are buying both businesses and we are going to name it Abe’s Pizzeria,” Malke said.
“It’s still going to be my husband’s pizza restaurant,” she added. “He makes his own dough that he has perfected over the years. He is also going to continue to cater to those with gluten-free preferences. He makes his own dough for regular and gluten-free pizza. Our gluten-free menu is two pages long.”
Malke estimates that 50% of the restaurant’s customers come in for the gluten-free menu, including those that drive in from out of town.
Malke said the pizza is thin crust and that her husband “puts a lot of love into his pizza.” She added that it takes “a real knack to get gluten-free crust done right.”
The couple employs about 10 people. All were offered to work in Branford and most of the workers are following the couple to their new location.
“We were really sad to leave Meriden, but we are excited about joining the Branford community and having a fresh start,” Malke said.