NASHUA — Liamos Market, a city staple, is closing the doors for good on Saturday after serving what customers claim to be the best lamb around for 90 years.

Founded in 1929, the Mediterranean-style market has been praised for its ethnic offerings for decades. From fresh spanakopita to specially seasoned lamb, many in the community having been coming here for Greek cuisine for years.

“What was propelling this store for years and years was the lamb and the pastry business, obviously, as everybody knows,” co-owner Mike Katsoupis said.

Market employees have made the lamb special, dashing their own secret seasoning, which makes the lamb taste so good. The same seasoning has been used for 90 years without changing up the way it is done even once.

Each year, the Easter holidays would draw a huge demand for their meats, whether that be whole lamb roasts, kebabs or other menu items.

“That was the staple; that was what made this place run for decades,” Mike said of the lamb.

Many in the community are left asking the same question: “Where do I get my lamb now?”

As Mike’s mother, Olga Liamos Katsoupis, stood behind the counter Tuesday morning, customers filtered through the front door in an effort to stock up before business halts. Nearly every customer commented on the sign posted on the glass alerting them of the closure, passing on kind messages of what the market means to them. Many who stopped in to purchase pastries couldn’t help but reminisce, many of whom have been regular customers since they were children.

“This is a family store, the whole neighborhood loves it,” customer Frank Walley said.

Walley moved to the area in 1986, and has been a customer ever since. He said whenever he wants fresh lamb, this has been the main destination.

Amy Tweedie has also been coming through for years, with a sweet spot for their spanakopita. After purchasing some Tuesday, she said the market has been a major part of the neighborhood for decades. She remembers coming in as a kid, and was really sad when she learned of the closing.

“When I saw it was closing … it’s really heartbreaking,” Tweedie said.

Another regular who is sorry to see the shop close its doors is Tony Mandravelis who has been a long-time customer. He’ll celebrate 83 on his next birthday, and recalls coming into the store for his entire life, having been born in a neighborhood with many Greek families.

Mandravelis has since become a family friend, recalling times when he and his late wife would join the Katsoupis family on vacation to various islands.

Mike’s father, Christopher Katsoupis, has since passed away, but the memories remain. Mandravelis stood near the counter on Tuesday, recalling the times when they would meet up every Saturday night for dinner. He said they had good times together.

“They just kept things going in the Greek community,” Mandravelis said. “People would come from all over for (Olga’s) lamb.”

Three generations have taken on the tradition of serving up specially cut meats during the busy Easter holidays. However, Olga and Mike have decided to retire. The store has since been sold to Bud’s Restaurant next door.

It all began when Olga’s father and uncle started business back in 1929. Through the years, the store only moved once, from West Pearl Street in 1970, to its home at 295 Lake St. An era will come to an end when the store closes on Saturday.

“It’s going to be sad, but happy,” Olga said. “It’s been a lifetime.”

Both she and her son are looking forward to just enjoying life, perhaps even doing a bit traveling, although no plans have been set in stone just yet. While this small market meant a lot to many in the community, its reputation will be remembered in the minds of their regulars for years to come.

“All I know is that we’ve had a long run, a very good run, and we have no regrets,” Olga said.

Adam Urquhart may be contacted at 594-1206, or at aurquhart@nashuatelegraph.com.