Darto’s, a long time favorite breakfast and lunch spot in Bethlehem’s downtown, closed up shop March 15, as faithful patrons lined up to grab one final meal at the popular restaurant on West North Street.

Mike Dartouzos and his wife Stephanie had continued the business begun by his parents, Michael and Mary, which was open for 41years. They have been involved in the business as a couple for the last 34 years.

They said there is a lease being negotiated on the property, but it won’t be called Darto’s.

On March 14 in the mid morning many area residents, who seemed to have all sorts of lifetime connections to the Dartouzos family and among themselves, waited patiently to enjoy one final breakfast in the street level restaurant. Mike and Stephanie could be seen inside the restaurant’s large front window preparing orders for their customers.

The Dartouzos’ said it was time to relax and enjoy retirement, especially by spending more time with their grandchildren.

Their customers will miss the restaurant’s cozy atmosphere and running into friends and associates, as well as enjoying very affordably priced breakfast and lunch platters.