April 3, 2017

Meet Johnny Gianoulidis of Kafenio All Day Greek Cafe in College Park

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Johnny Gianoulidis.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Johnny. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I am a first generation Greek-American born in Southbridge, MA, three years after my parents came to America. My parents worked in factories, saved up and opened a pizza place in Moosup, Ct.

Raised in the restaurant business and Ingrained with a passion for great service, clean counters, tasty food and places for good people watching.

I worked in a couple of different fields until being pulled back into the restaurant business and returning to what I was raised to be doing.

Presently, I am the owner/operator of ParkGrounds, a small successful coffee shop located in the heart of Reynoldstown and Kafenio, a Greek Cafe in College Park, Ga.

Great, 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?
I have totally failed more times than I have succeeded. Lost or misspent more money then I will ever make. People ask what I have learned from my mistakes- basically I have learned to just keep getting back up and trying again.

I have struggled and overcome some major addictions and crutches that would have destroyed me, opened places destined to fail, chosen partners that were thieves and liars, done pretty much everything wrong that you can do.
I succeed because I don’t quit and channel my passions.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Kafenio All Day Greek Cafe – what should we know?
I opened Kafenio about a year and half ago. Found a space that needed a lot of work, bought it and renovated it. We serve breakfast all day, salads, small plates and Mediterranean wraps like gyro, chicken and falafel.

I am most proud of the vibe we create in our shop, welcoming to all, open and friendly but with a little bit of attitude. What sets us apart is our use of fresh ingredients, mom’s recipes, cleanliness and reasonable prices for better food.

Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Passion for what I do and the drive to do it- in everything.

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