Theio’s shut down after being declared unsafe

The iconic red and yellow sign of Theios is dark and so is the former 24-hour eatery.

On March 27, Lansing Township Building Inspector Daniel Richards slapped a bright orange sticker on the front door of the Michigan Avenue restaurant announcing the building was condemned and unfit for human occupancy.

Richards said his inspection showed serious electrical problems. He said he took action after consulting with the Fire Department.

Theio’s fate is uncertain. Owner Virginia Pulido could not be reached for comment. Pulido had already reduced the hours to 6 a.m. to 3 p.m., thus ending a 41-year tradition of late-night comfort food for bar goers in the area. Michigan State University students were also regulars because of its proximity to East Lansing. Theio’s is at 2650 E. Michigan Ave., near Mac’s Bar.

Nick Mangopoulos owned and ran the business for 24 years until he sold it to Kim Cha Uebel in 2017, who in turn sold it to Pulido.

Pulido dismissed the longtime staff, causing frustrations with longtime customers, and shut down for a “deep cleaning,” she said earlier. The Ingham County Health Department conducted an inspection at Theio’s last week, the same day at the building inspection, but results were not yet available.