‘We're here and we're open’: Alaska’s Best Philllys owner addresses public confusion

PALMER — Philly’s Best Phillys in downtown Wasilla closed down earlier this month. This has no bearing on the unaffiliated restaurant in Palmer called Alaska’s Best Phillys. That’s what Alaska’s Best Phillys owner Rodanthe Christou (who goes by Laura) wants the public to know.

“We’re not the ones who closed down… We’re here and we’re open,” Christou said.

According to Christou, there’s been a lot of confusion and people mixing the two up since the news broke over social media. Philly’s Best Phillys’ owner announced that they closed down due to COVID-19 Jan. 15.

Christou used to run Philly’s Best Phillys in Wasilla. She said that she sold the business about two years ago, so she could pursue her ultimate destination in downtown Palmer. She said that she’s had zero ties to the Wasilla restaurant since she sold it.

Christou opened the doors to Alaska’s Best Phillys in the Downtown Palmer Plaza in October of 2020. She said despite starting up a new restaurant during an interesting year, it’s been an overwhelmingly positive first few months thanks to the locals, which is exactly why she came there.

“So far we’re doing good,” Christou said. “Palmer people, I had so much faith in that. From the beginning, I was never scared, not even one day. I just love them and they love us. It’s just wonderful. It’s a wonderful thing we can be here… They really care... We’re very happy here because of the people in Palmer.”

Christou has over 25 years of experience running restaurants in Alaska. She said that she has several longtime employees who’ve worked with her through her various restaurants over the years, including the current kitchen manager, Jeff Martin. She said that Martin has been a constant source of positive energy since day one, boosting everyone’s morale and going out of his way to do something nice for the crew.

“He’s a sweetheart. That’s what he knows, how to do it... He will find something every day. He will find something to say every day, or he will do something, or he’ll bring something. He will make food and he will share it with everybody,” Christou said. “It’s nice to be around people who care, and so far I’ve been really lucky.”

Martin said that he’s stuck with Christou all these years because of their close connection, citing her as a very caring and inspiring person. He said that he tries to make her laugh whenever he can.

“She’s like a mom to me… She’s one of the nicest ladies I’ve ever met… She’s a hardworking woman. She knows how to keep a restaurant going,” Martin said.

Christou currently has eight employees. She said they’re still seeking cooks and servers and she encourages those who may be interested to apply.

“We’re good. I just need a few more,” Christou said.

Alaska’s Best Phillys is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday. For more information, call 907-745-8778.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com