Mad Greek Deli's Rock Creek location will permanently close on Saturday, Nov. 28, ending a chapter for the 49-year-old restaurant that has served Bethany-area neighbors since 1977.

Owner Jake Marks announced the closure on the restaurant's Facebook page on Wednesday, Sept. 23, citing the sale of the building and increased economic pressure. The Beaverton Valley Times first reported the closure Thursday.

"Our building has been sold, and the increased economic pressure with no relief in sight has made it impossible to continue," Marks wrote. "We've been pushing hard for a long time, but it's time to call it with grace."

The restaurant at 18515 N.W. West Union Road is known for its gyros, souvlaki and a namesake sandwich stuffed with four meats. A 10-pound version challenged customers to finish it, plus fries and a drink, in one hour. According to OregonLive, few ever succeeded. The deli also insisted its fried potatoes be called "Greek fries," not ranch fries or jo jo potatoes.

The deli's history stretches to 1977, when founder George Athanasakis opened the original location across the street. That building, less than 4,000 square feet, previously housed the Valley West Grocery Store and before that the Bethany General Merchandise Store. The original deli closed in January 2015. It was demolished in November 2018.

Marks took over the business after his best friend and former owner Pantelis "Pondo" Kosmas died of a sudden brain hemorrhage in February 2016 at age 49. Kosmas, an Aloha High School graduate, had run the Rock Creek restaurant with his father, Tom.

When the Rock Creek location reopened in 2023, Marks told KPTV in April 2023 that the return was meant to honor Kosmas's legacy. The new location lasted roughly 2.5 years.

Marks wrote that he plans to take care of employees and vendors through the final day. He said his staff committed to staying through the closure after he shared the news.

The Portland location at 1740 E. Burnside St. will remain open. Marks told OregonLive he hopes a westside return could still happen, saying the dream "still matters to me, and I hope there may be a way forward someday."

Residents who want to visit the Rock Creek deli one last time have until Nov. 28.