Hellenic in Coral Springs and its chef-owner, Nikol Zarbalas, are at the center of some new, unsavory headlines.
Credit: Elevated Studios
Hellenic chef-owner Nikol Zarbalas was arrested Thursday, October 22, on charges involving nearly $140,000 in sales taxes collected from customers that authorities allege were not remitted to the state, according to TAPinto Coral Springs and the Sun Sentinel.
Now released and home with her children, the Coral Springs restaurateur has issued a public response. In a statement posted Saturday to Hellenic’s Facebook page, Zarbalas said she has been complying with a payment agreement and that her attorneys are addressing her detention. The charges remain allegations.
“So I’m not going to disappear or pretend the recent headlines don’t exist,” she wrote. “Many of you have seen or heard about my recent arrest, and I understand that it raises questions.”
The letter, titled “A Personal Letter to My Community,” offers her account of the financial situation without detailing the allegations or explaining the circumstances that led to her arrest.
“What I can share is that I’ve been working through a longstanding financial matter with the State of Florida. I have cooperated fully and have been fulfilling my obligations in accordance with an established payment agreement that has been in place.”
That description is Zarbalas’ position on the matter. Her statement does not establish the status of the alleged unpaid taxes or resolve the accusations reported against her.
“The circumstances surrounding my recent detention are being addressed by my attorneys,” she continued. “As this is an ongoing legal matter, I won’t be discussing the details publicly. I trust the appropriate process to work through the facts.”
Zarbalas also described the personal toll of her detention following a trip to Greece, where she said she visited family and friends and had an opportunity to appear on MasterChef Greece.
“I’m home now, safe and reunited with my children, and still trying to find my footing after an experience that affected me more deeply than I can put into words,” she wrote.
Browardist covered Hellenic’s official opening at 10436 W. Atlantic Blvd. in March, following its move to a larger location. The restaurant originally opened in 2019, and Zarbalas has appeared on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives and Guy’s Grocery Games.
Her letter thanked supporters and closed: “Still standing. Still cooking. Still me.”
