Life & Work with Johnny Gianoulidis of Brookhaven

Today we’d like to introduce you to Johnny Gianoulidis

Hi Johnny , so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Johnny Gianoulidis of The Greek Pizzeria and Gyros, grew up in his immigrant parents’ pizza joint in Moosup, Ct. during the seventies called Johnny’s Pizza. His parents, John and Maria immigrated to the US in 1963 and truly exemplified the classic immigrant story. Moving south with his parents in the eighties, he helped open the family restaurant, Christos Pizza, located in East Cobb and owned and operated by his two older brothers. Off to college and part and full time jobs in restaurants and nightclubs, he could not seem to get away from the industry he has come to truly appreciate.
A foray into other career fields highlighted the integral honesty of the food service business and the ethos of providing honest great food at a reasonable price in an approachable and warm setting. This has inspired him to follow up on an opportunity to go back to what he grew up in. He brings extensive and successful industry knowledge to the adventure of opening and operating a viable restaurant in these interesting times.
Twelve years ago, He bought and revamped Parkgrounds, a neighborhood cafe and still owns and manages its daily operations. Expanding into College Park, He opened Kafenio in 2016, a fast casual all day cafe offering breakfast all day along with starters, Greek wraps and salads. The College Park location fell victim to the pandemic. But prior to the pandemic, Kafenio expanded to Avondale Estates in 2019 and with the help of Paul Masci, the restaurant is still going strong.
The Greek Pizzeria and Gyros, a fast casual counter service restaurant that harkens back to the roots of Greek pizza and gyro joints of New England. The menu is based on approachable pizza offerings, traditional greek wraps, tasty greek starters, healthy salads, and espresso service. A selection of draft and craft beers along with a select variety of wines and assortment of desserts will create a convivial and family friendly environment. Pizza and beer is as all American as can be while being served in an eclectic approachable environment.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Haha.
I dont think smooth roads exist in my business. Working thru Covid, the new attitude of customers, at least a 20 percent increase in cost of all goods in the last year.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I think what sets me apart and gives me a leg up is that I was raised by immigrant parents that persevered through adversity while upholding their ethical and moral standards.

Work hard and move forward—it’s an attitude inculcated in me by my Greek parents, who in 1963 left Athens for America to escape military rule. When they arrived in this country, they viewed the American Dream not as a big house, six cars, and their name in lights, but as the simple opportunity to work and receive something for their efforts. They compared it to being farmers,“You plant, and you work, and you get something. It was the idea of the work ethic.”

Im most proud of building on the legacy my parents left me, providing space for people to gather and enjoy good food, reasonably priced in a pleasant and welcoming environment.

Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I was a shy, chubby, and introverted Immigrant kid. I would get off school and go work at my parents pizza place. I prettty much grew up in the business.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.thegreekpizzeria.com
• Instagram: https://Instagram.com/greekatl/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/greekatl/