Local chef Stella Dikos, owner of Richmond restaurant Stella’s, has died

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Local chef Stella Dikos, owner of the Richmond restaurant Stella’s, and who’s legacy extends to the boutique Our Life by Stella’s and Stella’s Grocery, has died.

In an official post on the Stella’s restaurant’s Instagram on Saturday, June 29, the Dikos-Giavos family announced the death of beloved chef Stella Dikos, owner of Stella’s restaurant in Richmond.

Stella’s, located on 1012 Lafayette Street, is known for its gourmet Greek dishes.

According to the Dikos-Giavos family, Dikos’ journey began at the original Village Cafe, which opened in 1956 and is where she worked alongside her husband, Stavros, introducing many people to her cooking and recipes from her homeland, Greece.

Dikos opened the first Stella’s on Harrison Street in 1983 . Following the closing of the original restaurant, she opened the second iteration of Stella’s on Main Street before its current location on Lafayette Street.

“Her passion and dedication culminated in the Stella’s we know and love today on Lafayette Street, a true testament to her incredible influence,” the Dikos-Giavos family said in their statement.

Dikos’ legacy extends to the boutique Our Life by Stella’s , located on Lafayette Street, and Stella’s Grocery , which has several locations in the Richmond area and features Greek products and prepared foods influenced by Stella’s restaurant.

Beyond her culinary talents, Dikos had a love for the arts, classical music, travel and gardening, according to her family.

“Stella was vibrant and full of life, still preparing her specialties up until her last days, making her passing a shock to our family,” her family said in their statement. “Thank you for being part of her journey and for your continued support during this difficult time.”

The Dikos-Giavos family said details about the memorial service will be shared soon.

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