Paul Dombalis, the longtime leader and owner of Raleigh’s oldest restaurant, died on Thursday, June 18. He was 68.
Dombalis was the third-generation owner and operator of The Mecca, the diner-style restaurant that’s been a staple in Raleigh since 1930. The restaurant was founded by his grandparents Nick and Helen Dombalis and then operated by his parents John and Floye.
Paul Dombalis started working at The Mecca at 11 years old and eventually took it over in 1990, operating it until 2018 when it was sold to downtown Raleigh restaurateur Greg Hatem. After selling the restaurant, Paul retired to Kure Beach, his family said…