New Arrivals – August 2023
Posted by estiator at 10 August, at 04 : 21 AM Print
A coast-to coast glance at some of the industry’s newest additions
Astoria, New York ‣ ESTIATORIO NISI ‣ nisiastoria.com
Proving Astoria still has Greek flavor, this contemporary fine-casual spot has opened on a busy corner once occupied by a Mexican eatery. “Astoria is connected with Greek food and we are bringing some-thing back that we know people love,” said owner Lefteris Daskalopoulos, who is from Greece and has lived in Astoria for decades. On the menu in the white-washed, high-ceilinged space: favorites like octopus, saganaki, and dolmades, along with tuna tartare, lobster pasta, and salads.
Hartsdale, New York ‣ LEFTERIS GYRO TAVERNA ‣ lefterisgyro.com
Its new location is the fourth for Lefteris Gyro Taverna, owned by longtime local restaurateur Chris Grammatas. Traditional dishes dominate the menu; along with signature gyros, Lefteris Gyro Taverna offers loukaniko, feta saganaki, gigandes, and meat and vegetarian moussaka, along with burgers, salads, and pasta. According to one Yelp reviewer, Lefteris serves the “best Greek food I’ve had… the best avgolemono soup I’ve had, and the best Greek salad I’ve had as well.”
Ann Arbor, Michigan ‣ THE GREAT GREEKMEDITERRANEAN GRILL ‣ thegreatgreekgrill.com
This fast-growing national chain has opened in Michigan, with space for 60 guests and a 25-seat patio. The menu features simple, modern interpretations of traditional dishes like spanakopita, hummus, dolmades, falafel, feta fries, and Greek butter cookies. As of mid-2023, 25 Great Greek Mediterranean Grill franchise locations operated in 12 states; the company expects to add six more states by 2024, with dozens more openings planned.
Philadelphia ‣ MOUSTAKI AUTHENTIC GYROS ‣ moustakigyro.com/franchise/
Founded by Peter Kada, whose family runs some of Philadelphia’s most successful fast-casual restaurants, this popular Philadelphia chain has expanded into franchising. “Demand for Greek street food like the gyro continues to trend upwards in the fast-casual dining segment,” Robert Katz, managing director and senior franchise advisor with New Jersey-based franchise developers The Stanwood Group, said in a press release. “Gyro establishments can see huge gains by promoting healthful, customizable menu items that guests can easily take to go.
Williamsville, New York ‣ ACROPOLIS OPA ‣ acropolisopa.com
Two years after the pandemic shuttered this 30-year-old Buffalo favorite, Acropolis OPA has reopened in a bright space with a patio and bar. Owner Paul Tsouflidis also operates Newbury Salads, whose location Acropolis OPA will now occupy. The new spot will keep some Newbury Salads items on the menu, complementing Acropolis OPA signatures like saganaki, which is flambéed table-side. Tsouflidis posted on Facebook: “It’s been two years since we shut our doors and we miss you. We hope to see all of your beautiful faces once again. OPA!”
Hopewell, New Jersey ‣ LOCAL BBQ ‣ localbbqhopewell.com
This barbecue spot is the fifth New Jersey restaurant for Tony Kanterakis, who also owns the very popular Local Greek and Small Bites in Princeton, Local Greek in Lambertville, and Local Greek Seafood in Hopewell. While the BBQ eatery is a departure from his typical Greek-cuisine focus, Kanterakis told a local news site it embraces the same emphasis on fresh quality ingredients and special recipes. “Our BBQ is St. Louis-style, with great home-made sauces. We have sandwiches and platters, ‘shareables,’ and salads, and we already have repeat customers in the short time we have been open,” he said.
