WILTON — The regulars at Athena’s Pizza Restaurant have become like family to Kelley Purdy of Phillips.

After about five years of owning the longtime pizza business at 843 U.S. Route 2 East in East Wilton, Purdy will close the restaurant Monday, Dec. 31. 

Purdy leases the building. The owner of the property, Demitrius Kalkanis of California, wants to sell it and recently notified Purdy of his intent, forcing her to close down, she said.

All but one of six employees have found other jobs. The unemployed worker is still unsure of her plans, she said.

The restaurant was founded more than 20 years ago by a Greek family. Other Greeks, including Kalkanis’ now-deceased father, have worked for the business, she said.

Purdy’s husband, Dimitrios, a mechanic, is also Greek.

About five years ago, Purdy left her employment as a welder in Kingfield to become the owner of Athena’s, she said. The previous owner thought she’d be perfect for the restaurant.

Purdy now works seven days a week, from opening to closing, but she enjoys the work. She especially likes the people, she said. 

“There’s a lot of people who come here regularly,” she said. “They are like family.”

She’s kept the pizza and sandwich business going over the years. Most of the menu has remained the same, but a few items have been added.

“I’m getting by,” she said of the economic challenges of running a business.

The biggest thing she’s learned about running the business is how to handle mistakes. “If there’s a boo-boo, don’t worry — I can fix it,” she said.

Though Purdy is unable to concentrate her efforts on any definite plans for the future until the restaurant closes next Monday, she said she would really like to consider keeping the business and reopening it in another location.

“I can hope,” she said.

[email protected]