Popular Restaurant Closes As Owners Retire, Cite COVID-19 Volatility In Anne Arundel

PASADENA, MD — Lista's Grill closed Monday after serving Pasadena customers for nearly half a century. Restaurant owners Kathy and Ruben Evangelista decided it was time to retire. The coronavirus pandemic disrupted their plan for the eatery's future, however.

"We had hoped that another owner was going to take over operations and reopen the restaurant, but sadly that plan has fallen through," the business said on Facebook. "The extremely volatile operating environment created by the pandemic simply proved more than we could sustain."

Lista's offered seafood staples and Mexican classics. Its crabcakes and pork green chile were family recipes. The garlic shrimp was a best-seller, and the cajun cream of crab soup was an award-winner.

"We sincerely appreciate every customer whom we've had the honor to serve," the Evangelista's said. "THANK YOU for making Lista's Grill one of Pasadena's most popular local restaurants."

The eatery was open for 47 years. It spent the last 21 at 2412 Mountain Road.

"We would also like to offer our deepest gratitude to our many outstanding employees over the years," Lista's said. "Our success was always a team effort."

One frequent diner, Beth Bartz Hoffmann, will miss the local establishment. Hoffmann and her husband had one of their first dates there nearly 15 years ago.

"Lista’s has been one of our family’s absolute favorites," Hoffmann said. "Thank you Kathy and Ruben for the many many years of making us feel at home. You are amazing people. We hope you enjoy a well deserved retirement."

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