OBSERVER File Photo Demetri’s on the Lake is expected to be “under new management” in the future.

A popular waterfront restaurant has closed its doors — temporarily — in the city of Dunkirk.

On Sunday afternoon, Demetri’s on the Lake noted on its Facebook page that it would “be closed until futher notice. … We will see you soon with our new grand opening.” An advertisement in Monday’s OBSERVER noted the site will be “under new management” soon.

For many customers, the closing came suddenly. An empty parking lot at 6-8 Lake Shore Drive West during the day at the restaurant was a strange site.

For years, the restaurant has been known for its Greek food offerings and has been a bustling location on Lake Erie during the summer season serving breakfast, lunch and dinner.

At the time, the restaurant was being operated by the Manning family, which previously operated other locations in the north county. On Oct. 2, Manning’s Fireside Manor closed after a Saturday evening dinner service.

“We would like to thank all of our staff, friends, family and guests that have stuck by us through thick and thin over the past five years,” the family posted on Facebook. “There are no words for our appreciation for each and every one of you! We hope that you will join us at one of our other establishments as we will continue to do our very best to give exceptional service and dining experience.”

On Nov. 7, only weeks later, the family shut down Bella Maria’s Pizza on Water Street in Fredonia.

The city’s planning and development director, Vince DeJoy, said his department would be reaching out to Demetri’s ownership to see what its next steps are. The site of the restaurant is “a very important key piece of our waterfront activation strategy,” he said.