Massapequa diner closes its doors

The Nautilus diner in Massapequa closed unexpectedly Thursday due to what the diner’s owner is calling a family dispute.

Late Thursday morning, “Closed” signs with no further explanation had been posted on the doors of the building, on Merrick Road. A few longtime customers stood in the parking lot, their breakfast plans canceled.

“The food was excellent,” said Angelo Sottile, 76, of Bethpage, who was waiting for a friend to arrive. “We were very satisfied with it.”

Inside the building, some of Nautilus’ approximately 50 workers threw out food and cleaned up the kitchen. Owner Gus Efstathiou sat at the otherwise empty bar with a cup of coffee.

Efstathiou said the diner closed due to a “family partnership dispute,” but wouldn’t elaborate.

“I was forced to close it,” Efstathiou said.

The diner will be closed indefinitely, he said.