Nick Koulouris opened the first Grecian Gyro in Hapeville in 1982. With his sons George and Pano, Koulouris expanded the family business to locations in Tucker and Forest Park. Now, 30 years on, the first Grecian Gyro franchise has opened in Johns Creek, serving the same menu of Greek wraps, plates, salads and sides.
The look: Situated in neat brick storefront in the Johns Creek Walk shopping center on Medlock Bridge Road, the new Grecian Gyro is long way from Hapeville. And the contemporary cafe look is a lot different from the '50s diner style of the original mom-and-pop place. But, of course, the family motto — "Once A Week Go Greek!" — is stenciled on the front widow, along with a caricature of Nick Koulouris.
The scene: One weekday afternoon, there was a short line at the order station. Several women were gathered for lunch at the stainless steel counter in front of the open kitchen, where cooks wrangled sliced meat and pita bread on flattop grills.
The menu: The main attraction is still the spiced beef and lamb gyro wrap ($4.89) served with onions, tomatoes and the signature Nick's Grecian sauce. Steak, chicken, souvlaki (pork), loukaniko (smoked sausage) and grilled cheese are among the other choices. Plates ($8.99-$9.39) are served open-faced with pita, seasoned potato wedges, and a small Greek salad with tomatoes, feta cheese, olives and Nick's dressing.
The drinks: Self-serve beverages ($1.59-$1.75) include Coca-Cola products and Southern sweet iced tea or you can grab a bottled water ($1) at the counter.
The extras: If you're a fan of Nick's Grecian sauce or salad dressing you can take home a 12-ounce bottle ($3.49-$3.99). And if you're a really big fan of Grecian Gyro, now you can log on to the website and find out how to open your own franchise store.
Dining Out
Grecian Gyro, Johns Creek
11:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays.
Wraps, $3.49-$4.99; plates, $8.99-$9.59; salads, $3.99-$9.49; sides, $1.96-$4.99; desserts, $1.39-$1.96.
11035 Medlock Bridge Road, Suite 50, John's Creek, 770-559-9789, www.greciangyro.com
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