The CookHouse will close for good this weekend

July 29. By Dave Vieser. The CookHouse, a mainstay in the Cornelius restaurant business since 2002, will close for good this weekend.

Co-owner Phyllis Karavas says it’s time.

“We’ve had a great run in Cornelius, and altogether 54 years in the restaurant business,” she said. “Time to retire and relax.” Husband Gus Karavas had a stroke in 2019.

Tradition coming to an end

Located in Shops on the Green on Torrence Chapel Road, the restaurant has a reputation for classic Southern food and all-day breakfast. For regulars, including local public officials, it’s real good food at good prices.

“Their eggs, their soup, their breakfasts were always great. So sorry to see them go,” said regular patron Nancy Jackson of Cornelius.

The Karavases often worked seven days a week with breakfast starting at 5:30 am. Phyllis was most often seen at the front.

Building for sale

The 174-seat building is for sale for $1.5 million. County tax records show an assessed value of $1.6 million with annual taxes of $13,500.