‘So sad to say goodbye’: After owner dies, 15-year-old Johnson County cafe closes

Cozy’s Cafe — an Overland Park restaurant that’s served customers for 15 years — is now closed.

One of the cafe’s owners, Albert Kreka, died in October. His family decided to close the restaurant months later, said his son, Klajdi Kreka.

Cozy’s, at 6740 W. 75th St., served its last meal on Feb. 13.

“He led by example with his hard work and dedication to, not only the business, but his family, which was his main priority,” Klajdi said.

Albert’s wife and the cafe’s co-owner, Kozeta Kreka (“Cozy”), wrote on social media that the loss of her husband made it “impossible to continue” operating the restaurant.

“This has been a very difficult and emotional decision and we are so sad to say goodbye,” reads the statement.

“Of course, we give immeasurable thanks to everyone who has dined with us, whether you’ve been dining with us for years or just now found us.”

The cafe’s social media page was soon flooded with support from customers.

“Cozy, you and your family have given us so much. Thank you for the years of serving us and making us feel special and welcome,” one wrote.

Another: “Cozy! My heart aches for you & your family. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. So many beautiful memories there over the years & incredible meals, conversations.”

Kozeta and Klajdi’s Greek restaurant, Paros Estiatorio, will remain open at 10561 Mission Road in Leawood’sMission Farms.

Cozy’s sold European and American menu items for breakfast, lunch and dinner — everything from pumpkin pancakes to lasagna, from meatloaf to creme brulee.

Former Star food writer Sarah Gish raved about the cafe’s baklava after a visit in 2013.

“Take one flaky bite of the sweet layered pastry, made with honey and chopped walnuts, and you’ll see why the recipe was handed down like an heirloom through three generations of Kreka’s family,” she wrote.

Before it closed, Cozy’s dining room was filled with fresh flowers and paintings of Venice canals. Cappuccinos were served in cups with saucers, with intricate designs swirled in milk foam.

Kozeta and Albert grew up in Albania and were married for 40 years. Kozeta began cooking at the age of 5, learning from her mother.

“When you love what you do, it makes a big difference,” she told The Star in 2013.

At Paros Estiatorio, which opened in 2019, the dinner menu includes tortellini, moussaka, filet mignon and Chilean sea bass.

Kladji encouraged fans of Cozy’s to try the Leawood restaurant.

“We’ve had a lot of our customers from Cozy’s reach out. … A lot of them have come and visited us recently just to come see my mom or stop by for lunch,” Kladji said.