Beloved restaurant Parthenon Restaurant & Chevy Chase Lounge DC (located near the DC/Maryland line at 5510 Connecticut Ave. NW, DC) will be featured in the series premiere of Gordon Ramsay’s Secret Service on FOX on May 21, with the episode available on Hulu the following day.
The Parthenon was established in 1989 by Greek immigrant Pete Gouskos, who grew up on the island of Zakynthos and worked his way up in the food and hospitality industry before settling in the United States. Opening his restaurant in Washington, DC, just across the Maryland line, Pete aimed to bring an authentic Greek dining experience to the Chevy Chase community.
In 2000, an adjacent space was transformed into the Chevy Chase Lounge, a casual spot where guests often come for a drink and end up staying for dinner. This concept, inspired by Pete’s upbringing in Greece, was designed to share his passion for food, hospitality, and his native culture.
The restaurant faced challenges during the 2020 pandemic, prompting a shift toward takeout and delivery, while Pete managed personal hardships as his wife was diagnosed with cancer and his son Michael began helping run the business.
After reopening and adapting outdoor seating arrangements, a 2022 crash in the outdoor area, which resulted in injuries and two fatalities, led Pete and his family to rebuild for improved safety. As the restaurant struggled to compete with newer trends, discussions began about evolving its vision– a turning point marked by the involvement of Gordon Ramsay.
What’s in store for the restaurant remains under wraps as we await the premiere. However, diners since Ramsay’s show filmed have raved about a blend of new flavors mixed with the time-honored favorites they’ve enjoyed for years. Tune in on Wednesday to see the changes.
