Mecca Celebrates 80 Years of Business
Mecca Restaurant has been an institution in Raleigh since Nicholas Dombalis opened its doors in 1930. Originally, it was known as the Mecca Luncheonette at 201 Fayetteville Street (where the Christian Scientist bookstore is today), and moved to its current day location on Martin Street around 1935. It is the oldest family-owned restaurant in Raleigh (and arguably the state), for when you still go in today, you will see the Dombalis family behind the counter.
Continuing his father’s legacy, in the early 1950s, John Dombalis took over with his wife, Floye. The two later passed the business to their son, Paul, who still manages the place today. Floye, who is often referred to as “Mrs. D”, continues to work there, and has for around 46 years. She’s the delightful woman that sits behind the cash register chatting away with the customers about the weather or whatever else is topical that day.
In celebration of this historic Raleigh business, Mayor Meeker, who eats there regularly, will declare Friday, April 30th as “Mecca Day” which will kick off the day’s celebration of the 80th Anniversary. From 11:00-7:00, stop by Mecca for 5 cent Cokes, t-shirt giveaways, live entertainment, and more. I have it on good authority that the 73+ year old ham that used to sit in the window might make an appearance.
See the Mecca Restaurant page.
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Restaurants , Other posts by Ladye Jane.
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Bruce in NC
04/26 01:32 PM
Is that a Sanitation Grade certificate I see in the picture? Cool. Doesn’t look like they have changed too much. I think only recently have they begun to show a number grade instead of a letter grade.
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Ladye Jane
04/26 03:40 PM
It is… they got an A.
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Tuff Jew
04/27 01:28 AM
I Love Mecca!
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Fred
04/27 05:41 PM
Mayor Meeker will declare Friday, April 30th as “Mecca Day”?
Tonight on Fox News: Another socialist politician promoting Islam!!!
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Rostel
04/27 06:44 PM
Wow! 80 years? Whoopy doo. The food sucks.
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ernie
04/27 10:27 PM
Glad to see this article. I’ve known about Mecca, but lately I’ve been wondering how many other long-running (say +25 years)family owned restaurants there are in Raleigh. And for that matter, individually owned. Can only think of a few myself.
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JT#2
04/28 10:13 AM
Friendliest owner/staff in Raleigh. Can’t beat the prices either!
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roi
04/29 10:20 AM
Well it is too bad that “whoopy doo” Rostel doesn’t think the food is good; therefore it is good that he goes elsewhere. I am glad that others who have and continue to eat at the Mecca find the food to be okay with them. Where does Whoopy doo have lunch that he thinks the food doesn’t suck?
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easternstyle
04/29 09:35 PM
Restaurants in Raleigh that have been in business 25 years or more and are family owned-
Angus Barn,PR,Mitch’s Tavern, Watkin’s Grill, Andy’s Pizza, Char-Grill, Hamburger Hut, Crowley’s, Roast Grill, Sadlack’s, Piccola, Boondini’s, Jade Garden,Milton’s Pizza all come to mind. -
Rostel
04/29 11:32 PM
Burger hut bitch (roi).
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emilyalane
04/30 01:43 AM
The Peddler celebrated 40 years last year owned by the same husband/wife team!!
Casa Carbone is owned by the original owner’s daughter and is probably also knocking on 40 years.
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roi
04/30 11:27 AM
Very good Rostel. I am glad you like Burger Hut. I have had some burgers there and they are not bad…Sorry that you think Mecca food sucks. As it has been said ” to each his own”
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