‘Gr8 Comeback’: Greek Islands & Giorgio’s Pizza trying to stay alive
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — George Stergiopoulous and his family will celebrate the 33rd anniversary of their Greek Islands Restaurant, but the COVID-19 crisis has him just hoping they can make it to their 34th.
“It’s been tough times on a lot of small businesses,” he said about the restaurant at 906 S. Meridian St. “I think the restaurant business has probably been hit the hardest. A lot of restaurants our size are holding on by a thread. There’s just no other way to put it.”
Stergiopoulous is a partial owner of two restaurants. He and his partner, Elif Ozdemir, also run Giorgio’s Pizza, 9 E. Market St., which has also been in town for three decades. He says for everybody to make it, the community has to continue supporting restaurants and getting carryout. “Unfortunately our business is down, our hours are limited and we’ve had to cut the staffs a little bit,” he said. “We’re trying to start people back at work.
“You’ve got to keep on supporting your local faves. We want to be here for Year 34.”
However, he didn’t want to go without thanking people who have continued to support them over the years. “We’ve got some loyal customers that have been coming here since we’ve opened.”
Recently, fans of Greek Islands say if you visit for their “authentic” Greek food, you’ll be satisfied getting “anything on the menu.”
According to Stergiopoulous, Gyros and the “George Salad” are fan favorites at Greek Islands.
George also mentioned the stuffed New York Style Pizza at Giorgio’s. “Best pizza in town for 30 years,” he said.