Grecian Gyro Opens Johns Creek Location

Grecian Gyro, Atlanta’s longest-running quick service Greek restaurant, launched its first franchise store on Monday in Johns Creek. The first franchise store is a family-owned business operated by the brother-sister duo of Steve Van Wey and Christine Dolgetta, along with Christine’s husband, Joe Dolgetta.

The restaurant is located at 11035 Medlock Bridge Road.

Since its opening in 1982 in Hapeville, Ga., Grecian Gyro has become Atlanta’s home for high-quality, quick-serve, fresh Greek fare. Founder Nick Koulouris opened with the goal to deliver gyros and Grecian food that reminded him of what he grew up eating and cooking as a young man in Kalamata, Greece.

The family-owned and operated gem has three company-owned locations in Hapeville, Tucker and Forest Park and is now under the ownership and direction of Nick’s sons George and Pano. The Koulouris brothers realized their concept and business model had legs and created Grecian Gyro Franchising in 2009. In late 2011, George and Pano began to seek out qualified individuals to build, support and run franchise stores in Atlanta and throughout.

Steve Van Wey and the Dolgettas are long-time customers who wanted to have a Grecian Gyro near them so badly that they decided to open it themselves. Seating 43 customers, the newest addition to the Grecian Gyro family offers a variety of dining options, including a counter in front of an open kitchen modeling the original Hapeville location. Mixed materials such as tile, wood, glass and metal give the restaurant a modern, “old-world” aesthetic. 

The fast-casual restaurant became an Atlanta legend over the past 30 years, as lines formed out the door and customers came in day after day. Creative Loafing commented on the eatery as “Gyro Heaven” and stated that the restaurant served “The best gyros I have ever eaten…simply wonderful!” Koulouris was thrilled when The Atlanta Journal-Constitution praised Grecian Gyro for being “A genuine family restaurant serving unpretentious, inexpensive food of uncompromising quality.”

Information regarding Grecian Gyro franchises can be obtained by calling Pano Koulouris at 678-774-9767 or emailing Franchising@GrecianGyro.com. For more information visit www.GrecianGyro.com.