A single-vehicle accident that happened on Oct. 25 has claimed the life of a local restaurant owner.
According to the preliminary Asheville Police Department investigation, Nicholas Emilios Papanstasiou, 66, reportedly suffered a medical emergency, causing the 2025 Mini Cooper he was driving to leave the roadway and strike a light pole at the 900 block of Tunnel Road.
The accident was called in at 12:52 p.m. on Oct. 25. After the car hit the light pole, it came to rest down an embankment, according to police. Papanastasiou was transported to Mission Hospital, where he later died.
According to his obituary, Papanastasiou owned and operated East Village Grille for 36 years and continued his entrepreneurial journey with Filo/Post 70 in 2006, and then again with Post 25 Kitchen & Lounge in 2016.
East Village Grille, along with Filo/Post 70 and Post 25 Kitchen & Lounge announced the news of Papanastasiou’s death in a social media post on Oct. 27.
It is with heavy hearts we share the passing of our beloved father, leader, partner, and mentor. We have lost a legend. We are heartbroken, but thankful for the time we had with him and the many, many lessons he taught us. We are grateful for the love and support from our restaurant families and the Asheville community during this difficult time. His legacy will live on through the people he loved, the memories he created, and the restaurants (and legos) he helped build. May his memory be eternal. Rest easy Dad. We love you and will miss you always.
The obituary said in lieu of flowers, people could drop off or send LEGOs, to be donated, to either East Village Grill, 1177 Tunnel Road, or Post 25 Kitchen & Lounge, 2155 Hendersonville Rd., Arden.
A funeral service will be held at 9:30 a.m. Oct. 29 at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 227 Cumberland Ave., Asheville. Interment will immediately follow in Lewis Memorial Park, 415 Beaverdam Road, Asheville, and the Makaria (celebration of life) will follow at Post 25 Kitchen & Lounge.
Morris Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.