OBSERVER Photo by M.J. Stafford Pictured is the Demetri’s on the Lake sign in Dunkirk.

Dunkirk’s Demetri’s on the Lake is for sale.

The restaurant was set to close Friday, but life goes on for the property. It’s a key spot in Dunkirk’s efforts to promote its lakeside — it’s next to both Route 5 and the Dunkirk Boardwalk and Marina, at the very end of Central Avenue where it goes into the Dunkirk Pier.

The property is listed for $1,690,000 in a promotional video done by local real estate agent Colby Garza of Hunt Real Estate. Funky music plays in the background as a drone soars to show angles of the building that can’t be seen from the ground.

Garza’s listing states the building is 13,944 square feet. It’s “a turnkey restaurant and banquet venue (that) features seating for 450+, outdoor patios, full kitchen, bar, and storage basement. Adjacent to Clarion Hotel and downtown Dunkirk’s waterfront district. Zoned Commercial and within an Opportunity Zone — ideal for restaurant operators, hospitality groups, or mixed-use redevelopment.”

The owners of Demetri’s, the Miller family, posted to social media on the restaurant’s page that they are closing as of Nov. 14.

“Due to rising food costs, increases in minimum wage, an 84% increase in city taxes, and ongoing equipment repairs, we can no longer continue operations,” the Millers posted. “We deeply thank you for your support and friendship, and wish everyone a happy and healthy holiday season.”

The Millers took over the long-running restaurant in 2023 after it closed for a time.