One of the aspects that distinctly define the Greek culture is its food, and Greektown, located just west of downtown Chicago, has become a popular destination for just that. As many people in the Chicagoland area have seen restaurant establishments diminish due to harsh economic times and penny-pinching savers, several Greektown businesses have managed to stay afloat and remain successful.
The leader of the Greektown Chamber of Commerce, Yianni Theoharis, who is a 20-year business owner, has created this community association for all the merchants in the Greektown area to come together.
“The purpose of this association is to preserve and keep Greektown alive,” said Theoharis.
While a large fire destroyed three Greektown businesses located directly across the street from his establishments nearly a year ago, Theoharis has managed to keep his two businesses, Meli’s and 9 Muses, alive without having to raise prices or cut back on quality.
“We believe that in a city you should have ethnic towns and areas like this, so the city can get a little bit of flavor instead of blending everything and everything becomes like a chain, like a Starbucks or Subway,” said Theoharis.
Ald. Walter Burnett Jr. (27th) feels that the Greektown restaurants are very valuable to his ward, especially in a state like Illinois where every extra $1 million spent in eating and drinking places generates an additional 28.1 jobs in the state, according to National Restaurant Association’s website.
“The importance of the Greektown restaurants to my ward is several. For one, it attracts a lot of tourists from outside of the ward to come to the ward. Not only do they go to the restaurants, but they go to other stores. They help keep a lot of businesses in place, but also keep a lot of people working,” said Burnett.
The only business owner that was able to rebuild after the Greektown fire, James Manolakos, says his business is just as good as before, but believes it would be even better if his neighbors rebuilt as well.
“If you have a lot small businesses in one location it’ll attract more people and then there’s like a trickle down effect,” said Manolakos.
Within the last five years Manolakos has seen business at Pan Hellenic Pastry Shop, located at 322 S. Halsted St., increase despite having to raise prices to coincide with the rising cost of food commodities.
“At the end of the day if you have a good product it will stay afloat, and your competitors won’t be able to compete with you,” said Manolakos.
Demetra Markopoulos, president of The Hellenic Professional Society of Illinois, which serves as a meeting ground for individuals of Hellenic decent to network, holds their meetings and events at Greek venues in hopes of supporting their fellow Greeks.
“Greeks are known for hospitality and owning restaurants, and that is a strong presence in Chicago,” said Markopoulos.
As Greektown businesses continue to promote their well-known gyros, saganaki, and feta, Markopoulos recommends Greek Islands restaurant for traditional sit-down Greek food that will make you feel like you’re on the island, and 9 Muses for a laid back atmosphere and a great shish kabob.
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