After 20 years of serving customers like family, family-owned Branford Townhouse Diner & Restaurant is seeking a new location for its popular eatery.

The restaurant closed up shop at 91 North Main Street on March 21 after agreeing to disagree with the conditions involved in leasing space in a different onsite area due to the construction now underway at the plaza. The commercial property under construction spans building spaces from 85 to 103 North Main Street.

Both the Branford Townhouse business owners and a representative for the commercial property manger, A & A Properties LLC of Branford, told The Sound the departure was regrettable .

Restaurant owners Bill Groumousas, Jimmy Groumousas, and brother-in-law Andreas Gotsis said they decided to leave the site, but the family will definitely not be leaving the restaurant business.

"We are looking for another place. We hope to be in Branford," said Gotsis.

Dean Amendola, property manager for A & A, said the restaurant was a "valuable asset" to the town and a good tenant during the five years the company has managed the property.

"We wanted them there. We thought they were a valuable asset to the town and did not want them to leave," said Amendola, adding that several attempts were made to work out agreeable terms but ultimately, "We couldn't reach an agreement."

Customers were told of the closing about two weeks before the final day of business, said Gotsis and Jimmy Groumousas. Both men are chefs with more than 35 years experience. The family's following was built at their former New Haven restaurant, the Paragon (on Chapel Street) and many New Haven area customers followed them to the Branford Townhouse.

Gotsis said many of their customers were saddened by the news of the closing of the North Main Street site in Branford.

"After 20 years, it's become like a home for our family and for our customers. It was sad. Everybody was disappointed," said Gotsis.

Groumousas said one customer had continuously dined at the restaurant every day since it opened 20 years ago. He added many family members worked at the restaurant through the years.

"From babies, they're now married. Our wives have all been hostesses…we spend all our days here," said Groumousas.

The restaurant served breakfast, lunch, and dinner-from chops to steaks to seafood-and was open early morning until late at night, seven days a week.

As for finding a new location, "We're working on it," said Gotsis, adding the public will be notified.

"It might take a little while, but we will reopen," added Groumousas.