Mystic Pizza IRS Troubles: $60,000 Seized

The owners of the famous restaurant Mystic Pizza had over $60,000 seized from them by the U.S. Treasury Department on Thursday.

Mystic Pizza was made famous after the 1988 film of the same name which starred Julia Roberts.

A criminal investigation by the Internal Revenue Service began when Mystic Pizza was suspected of money laundering.

Treasury Department officials seized the cash from a Chelsea Groton Bank and the accounts of John Zelepos, George Zelepos, and Christos Zelepos in January. IRS officials have not disclosed details of the investigation or why the money was seized.

The money seizure was first reported in The Day of New London.

The Zelepos family owns Mystic Pizza in Mystic, Connecticut as well as Mystic Pizza II in North Stonington. However, they two restaurants are reportedly not business partners. The family also owns Mystic Pizza Food Co.

The Zelepos have not commented on Mystic Pizza's recent legal problems.

The pizza parlor caught the eye of "Mystic Pizza" screenwriter and actress Amy Holden Jones. Jones also starred in the coming-of-age film.

"Mystic Pizza" also saw Lili Taylor star alongside Roberts and Holden in the dramatic comedy. Portraying three teenage girls, the story followed the employees of the Mystic Pizza parlor in Connecticut during the 1980s.

There are also themes of work ethic, sibling rivalry, and class distinctions in "Mystic Pizza" where various heritages are highlighted in the film.

At the time, film critics Siskel and Ebert gave the film "two thumbs up." Additionally, Ebert predicted that the film "may someday become known for the movie stars it showcased back before they became stars," according to The Chicago Sun-Times.

The pizza restaurant has been a local favorite since 1973 and attracts tourists still today.

Many fans of the film as well as the pizza parlor have taken to Twitter about Mystic Pizza's legal woes.

On user, Sara, posted Friday: "Pizza's not great but it's a landmark of my childhood!"

"Real-life Mystic Pizza may soon serve it's last slice," wrote Jez.