On Friday and then Saturday O Aetos which occupies the former david’s on Roanoke Avenue will have a soft opening with opportunities for two seatings on both nights.

The menu for the evening will be four courses starting with a meze of feta and olives; octopus; or kofta tacos.

There will be a Greek or Caesar salad choice and then the main entree options — ribeye steak or pan-seared salmon or roasted Asian pork loin or lemon parmesan chicken.

The entrees will come with the choice of two sides and will be followed by dessert. Complimentary beverages are available and there will be a selection of wines, beers and cocktails for purchase.

Owner Teresa Chichester does suggest purchasing your seat and meal in advance so option choices can be reserved.

It was in June of last year that Chichester announced she and a business partner had plans to buy david’s, which had been a mainstay on the avenue for years.

And now after renovations which have created a more open atmosphere at the iconic Roanoke Rapids dining spot the team of Chichester, manager Zacharias Sitzanis and chef Sophia Phelps are ready to bring a new dining experience to the location which will feature authentic Mediterranean and updated continental classics.

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Sitzanis said occupancy will be at 40 percent capacity to comply with state executive orders associated with the novel coronavirus pandemic. Staff will wear masks and customers will be asked to wear them upon entering the restaurant. The restaurant is Count on Me NC certified.

The pandemic actually made the restaurant more prepared for the soft opening on Friday and Saturday, Sitzanis said at O Aetos last week. “It gave us time to fix things. We had the time to do it and tried to stay positive during the whole situation.”

“I’m excited because we are trying to make a little bit of a difference,” Phelps, a veteran of the Kennon House in Gasburg, said. 

In the entrance the floor has been laden with pennies and a compass on the floor is surrounded by Greek Drachmas to complete the feel of the metal and dark wood theme of the restaurant. 

All the metalwork has been done by Chichester’s son, Alex Howerton, who runs Midgard Forge in Roanoke Rapids.

The bar has been extended and raised 12 inches while there will be a cocktail space for customers waiting for a table or waiting to meet someone. “It’s been a longtime coming and a lot of work,” Chichester said.

The extent of the work includes a new roof, new hood system, new HVAC, updated electrical, updated plumbing, renovated floors, new gas lines to the kitchen and the dining room was gutted and renovated. There was also an intensive deep-cleaning done and the restroom were updated.

There will be more additions to the restaurant as time progresses including an outside mural and Chichester said O Aetos will be ready for lunch by next week.

Chichester is also hopeful the restaurant will be part of a revitalization taking place on the avenue, including the former municipal building which is being transformed into apartments and ongoing work at the former bus station. “To be able to be on the crest of that wave at this particular time on the avenue makes me hopeful we can be a voice of inspiration for all businesses.”