Capt. Gus's Steak Shop Lists Lancaster Property

The owners of the 58-year-old Lancaster restaurant are selling the business and its building.

Updated on Oct. 25, 2026 in Openings & Closings

Capt. Gus's Steak Shop Lists Lancaster Property

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The property housing Capt. Gus's Steak Shop at 600 W. Orange St. has been listed for sale. Current operators Phyllis Rothweiler and Nick G. Karpouzis are selling the business and building to pursue different career paths.

Why it matters

The sale marks the end of a long-standing local legacy in Lancaster. The siblings decided to part with the restaurant to move on from the business founded by their late father.

The 2,700-square-foot facility is listed for $775,000, covering both the restaurant and an attached laundromat. The business has operated for 58 years and currently maintains a staff of three employees.

The players

Nick G. Karpouzis

He is a co-owner who has operated the steak shop alongside three employees for the past six years.

Phyllis Rothweiler

She is a co-owner of the steak shop and the primary point of contact for parties interested in purchasing the property.

Gus Karpouzis

He founded the steak shop in 1968 and operated the business until his death in 2012.

The details

The listing includes the restaurant building and the attached laundromat, leaving potential buyers the option to convert the laundry space into a larger dining room. Nick G. Karpouzis plans to stay on during a transition period to train a new owner.

Capt. Gus's Steak Shop was established in 1968.
Founder Gus Karpouzis passed away in 2012.
The property was officially listed for sale in October 2026.
Nick G. Karpouzis reaches age 60 in February 2027.

Market Landscape

The sale of this shop reflects the broader trend of closures among long-running family-owned dining institutions as the next generation seeks different career paths. This transition highlights the shift in Lancaster commercial real estate as legacy businesses change hands or exit the market.

Patrons should anticipate potential changes to the restaurant's operations as the property enters the sale process. Interested buyers can reach out to co-owner Phyllis Rothweiler directly at 717-587-8283 for details regarding the listing.

The takeaway

Legacy businesses often face a critical juncture when the founding family decides to exit the operation. Prospective owners should consider the potential for space expansion, such as redeveloping the attached laundromat, when evaluating this investment opportunity.