Restaurant restrictions overturn Diethnes' 68-year open tradition

• Icon review: Diethnes

During its 68-year run, Sydney's Diethnes Greek Restaurant has kept its doors open through recessions, city-wide strikes, the Cuban Missile Crisis and The Dismissal. It has made the past five weeks especially tough for the Ventouris family.

"Before this the only time we'd ever shut was for Christmas," says Diethnes owner John Ventouris.

When Diethnes opened in 1952, Ventouris' father Phillip was its original dishwasher before buying the restaurant in the 1960s. John took charge of the business 20 years ago.

Between them, the Ventourises thought they'd seen everything. "We've been through hard times, but not like this," John Ventouris laments.

He's worried for his staff and regulars who've only known a ready supply of lamb and stuffed capsicums, and is cautious about what may be ahead.

He thinks a gradual roll-out with strict spacing guidelines could cause even more carnage for restaurants. He's also looking for more clarity from his landlord. "We might even have to look at relocating," says John, who is also considering reopening with the takeaway model.

There has been at least one plus, however. "I've never seen so much of my family. But they are starting to ask, 'When are you going back to work?' "