After nearly four months away recovering from a serious fall and surgery, longtime Bellevue restaurateur John Sakkas is back where many in the community know him best — behind the counter at John’s Grecian Delight.
Sakkas reopened his restaurant on Friday, April 17, marking a welcome return for one of Bellevue’s longest-running local businesses. Located in the back of the lower level of Southroads Mall at 1001 Fort Crook Road North, John’s Grecian Delight is currently open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. as he eases back into his routine.
Opening on October 21, 1981, John’s Grecian Delight is the second longest-running restaurant in Bellevue, behind only Stella’s Bar & Grill. For decades, Sakkas has built a loyal customer base not only for his food, but for the familiar face and conversation many regulars have come to expect.
Shortly after Christmas 2025, Sakkas suffered a serious fall while in the parking garage behind the restaurant. He had decided to walk around outside because it was such a beautiful day. The parking area sloped downward, and as he stepped out and shifted his weight, he lost his balance and fell hard, badly injuring his left side.
Although in significant pain, Sakkas managed to get himself back into his truck and drive home. Once there, the pain worsened, and he found he could barely get out of the vehicle in his garage. His daughter, Dina Sakkas-Mulkey, was called, and emergency responders ultimately transported him to the hospital.
Doctors determined surgery was needed quickly. Fortunately, surgeons were able to repair the injury without a full hip replacement. Instead, they used screws and internal repairs because his bones remained strong enough to avoid replacing the entire joint.
In addition to the hip injury, the fall also caused damage around Sakkas’ eye. He later learned doctors found significant trauma there as well, including complications involving cataracts and a tear that required close attention. While the hip surgery became the immediate priority, the eye injury added another layer of concern during an already difficult recovery.
Recovery was expected to take six to eight months, but Sakkas has steadily worked his way back. For several weeks, he was unable to drive and spent much of his time walking his neighborhood and staying active while waiting for the strength to return. Throughout the process, Dina kept customers updated through the John’s Grecian Delight Facebook page, where many longtime customers followed his progress and waited for news of his return.
Sakkas said being away from the restaurant was one of the hardest parts of recovery.
He missed the people, the daily routine and the steady stream of familiar faces that have made the restaurant feel like more than just a business for more than four decades.
Now back at work, he is taking things slowly. For now, Sakkas is limiting the restaurant to lunch hours only, allowing himself time to ease back into work without pushing too hard too soon. He plans to see how his recovery progresses before deciding whether to expand the restaurant’s hours.
For many Bellevue residents, John’s return is more than a restaurant reopening — it is the return of a much-loved community figure.
