Popular Greek restaurant chain opens new spot in downtown SLO: ’It’s been a good fit’
There’s a new Greek restaurant in downtown San Luis Obispo — and the name might be familiar to many.
Nick the Greek opened its doors on Higuera Street on Tuesday.
“Ever since I’ve come (to San Luis Obispo), I’m like, ‘Oh my God, this would be perfect for something like this,’ “ said restaurant owner George Petroutsas, who also has Nick the Greek eateries in Palo Alto and San Mateo. “I think it’s been a good fit.”
Petroutsas said the restaurant specializes in “authentic Greek street food” including classic gyro sandwiches.
The SLO location is a franchise for the larger Nick the Greek brand, which was founded by three cousins — all named Nick — when they realized they wanted more quality gyro options, according to the restaurant website.
The popular chain has locations across California, Nevada, Arizona and Kansas, and is in the process of opening more franchises in Texas and Utah.
The San Luis Obispo location is open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday, and until 3 a.m. Thursday through Saturday.
When Petroutsas was in the early stages of opening the restaurant, he said, he was asked to consider having the business open late to help feed the bar crowds that amass in that area.
That’s something he was happy to do.
Nick the Greek is located in a spot that was formerly home to Blast 825 Taproom, and there’s still a remnant of that business in the restaurant, Petroutsas said.
“They’re keeping the beer wall” in the restaurant, he said. “We’re going to do what we’re good at, and they’re going to do what they’re good at. (It’s) kind of a nice little relationship there.”
Petroutsas said he’s been happy with the reception to Nick the Greek so far.
“I love to see the college kids, I love to see the tourists — but it’s really the locals that I wanted to win over from day one,” he said. “The community has really been warm and opening up to us and everything. So we are very appreciative of that.”
Nick the Greek is located at 733 Higuera St. in San Luis Obispo. For more information, call 888-756-4976 or visit nickthegreek.com.
This story was originally published January 21, 2023 at 5:30 AM.
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