NewsTampa Bay TimesOctober 27, 2026Hillsborough County
Star South Florida chef Nikol Zarbalas arrested on $140,000 state sales tax charges
Photo: Tampa Bay Times
South Florida chef Nikol Zarbalas, 48, was arrested at an Atlanta airport on charges of failing to turn over nearly $140,000 in state sales taxes collected from customers between 2021 and 2025. Zarbalas stated she was mystified by the arrest because she was actively complying with a state payment plan of $1,400 per month.
Read the full story at Tampa Bay TimesWhy It Matters
The arrest of a prominent regional restaurant owner highlights the enforcement of unpaid state sales taxes accumulated during pandemic-era business struggles.
Key Facts
Each fact below is taken from the article. Click one to see the exact passage.
Who's Mentioned
locationGreece“Country Zarbalas visited to film a TV show prior to her arrest.”locationUniversity Drive“Former location of Hellenic Republic.”OrganizationFlorida Department of Revenue“Investigator filed charging documents against Zarbalas.”PersonNikol Zarbalas“Owner of Hellenic Republic in Coral Springs, arrested on charges of failing to t”OrganizationHellenic Republic“Coral Springs restaurant owned by Nikol Zarbalas.”locationCoral Springs“Location of Hellenic Republic.”PersonGuy Fieri“Hosted 'Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives' and praised Zarbalas's food.”locationAtlanta“Location of the airport where Zarbalas was arrested.”locationFort Lauderdale“Destination where Zarbalas was transported and released on bail.”OrganizationClayton County jail“Jail where Zarbalas spent nearly two weeks following her arrest.”locationAtlantic Boulevard“New, larger space where Hellenic Republic moved earlier this year.”