Restaurants

Continental Restaurant on Route 1 closes after decades in business

A family member of the owner told Boston.com that their closure was due to COVID-19 challenges and rising costs.

October 2, 2024

1 minute to read

The Continental Restaurant, one of the oldest eateries along Route 1 in the North Shore, is reportedly closing after decades in business.

The news was first reported by Drew Moholland of WBZ NewsRadio, who shared on X a picture of the Continental sign that announced its shuttering.

“JUST IN: Another north of Boston and Route 1 staple is about to go away,” Moholland tweeted. “The Continental #Saugus is saying goodbye after 72 years.”

JUST IN: Another north of Boston and Route 1 staple is about to go away. The Continental #Saugus is saying goodbye after 72 years. They will close the doors the weekend before Thanksgiving. @wbznewsradio pic.twitter.com/iBOtW7nf1o
— Drew Moholland (@DrewWBZ) October 1, 2024

Shauna Kourkoulis, wife of the owner and who also works at the restaurant, said their decision to close was due to COVID-19 challenges and the rising cost of food. Of the more than 70 years the Continental has remained open, the Kourkoulis family has run the restaurant for 41 years.

“COVID kind of killed us,” Kourkoulis told Boston.com over the phone.

The restaurant and lounge known for its classic steak and seafood dishes and early bird specials will serve its last meal on Nov. 24, the Sunday before Thanksgiving. Kourkoulis recommended those guests with gift cards use them in the coming weeks.

“We’re just thankful for all the regulars that came in, and all the support throughout the years,” Kourkoulis said. We really appreciate it.”

The once-kitschy Route 1 has undergone significant changes in the last few decades. Landmarks that dotted the North Shore highway, like the boat-shaped Ship Restaurant and Hilltop Steakhouse, have since closed to make room for mixed-use developments.

More recently, the massive tiki palace Kowloon announced plans that it would eventually downsize so that the town of Saugus could build more apartment complexes.

Tell us: Do you have a special memory of dining at the Continental? What were some of your favorite dishes? Let us know what you’ll miss about the restaurant. Share with us in the survey below or e-mail us at [email protected], and your response may appear in an upcoming Boston.com article.

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