WORCESTER ‒ Regulars at Zorba’s Taverna on Stafford Street described the day as “bittersweet” as they sat in their favorite booths to nosh on their favorite foods prepared by chef Adam Bouchard or nursed their beverages served by Melissa Bicchieri, working her last shift behind the bar.
As Bicchieri pulled a draft then twisted a lemon peel into a vodka and tonic, she admonished the customers to not make her cry before 6 p.m.
“It’s too early,” said Bicchieri during the lunch rush on Saturday as she grabbed a handful of bar napkins to swipe at the tears forming in her eyes. She placed a beverage in front of former manager Andrea Leofanti and said again, “it’s too early for this.”
It was the restaurant’s last day.
As one of the managers, Leofanti had stepped in time and time again to cover open shifts in all positions and was familiar with the numbers. She knew owner Nusa Dimopoulos was trying desperately to hold on, especially for the benefit of her employees.
“The restaurant never got back to regular hours after COVID-19,” Dimopoulos said as she greeted customers coming in the door. “It’s been hard to find help, prices have gone up…”