Longtime Astoria Bakery Owners Have Retired
The owners of the historic Lefkos Pirgos pastry shop sold the business after 58 years of operation.
Updated on Oct. 4, 2026 in Openings & Closings
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Giouly Pantazi has officially sold the iconic Lefkos Pirgos pastry shop in Astoria after 58 years of ownership. The bakery, located at the intersection of Ditmars and 33rd Street, transitioned to new owners following a private agreement.
Why it matters
The sale marks the end of a decades-long tenure for the Pantazi family, who chose to exit the business to pursue retirement and travel. The move was not prompted by financial strain or lease disputes.
The shop was under the ownership of Giouly and Petros Pantazi for 58 years, starting in 1969. The sellers noted that Giouly Pantazi has not visited their home country of Greece in 15 years.
The players
Giouly Pantazi
She is the longtime owner of the historic Lefkos Pirgos pastry shop in New York City.
Petros Pantazi
He is the husband of Giouly Pantazi and co-owner of the bakery since 1969.
The details
The couple acquired the business in 1969 using personal savings and a series of monthly payments, moving the shop from its original site on 23rd Avenue to its long-term home on Ditmars and 33rd Street. The new owners have committed to keeping the historic name of the establishment.
Timeline
1968: Giouly and Petros Pantazi arrived in the United States.
1969: The couple officially took over the Lefkos Pirgos business.
October 4, 2026: The final day of operation under the ownership of the Pantazi family.
Market Landscape
The sale of this shop reflects the ongoing transition of long-standing family businesses in New York City as original owners reach retirement age. This specific handover follows the documented trend of aging immigrant business owners exiting the market, though the preservation of the name suggests a strategic effort to retain existing local brand equity.
Regular customers in Astoria can expect the bakery to remain open under its historic name. The transition to new management should result in minimal changes to the local shopping experience.
The takeaway
Owners of small, long-standing businesses often eventually transition out of operations to focus on family and personal time. Preserving the name of a historic shop allows new buyers to maintain the established customer base and neighborhood legacy.
Further reading
For more news on local business changes, visit New York City Openings & Closings.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The National Herald.
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