From left: Kitsa Panos and Toula and Gagik Saleymanina. (J. Elias O’Neal)
All Toula Suleymanian ever wanted was a restaurant to call her own.
But when her parents, Kitsa and Greg Panos, sold the rights to their Crazy Greek restaurant at 1903 Staples Mill Road nearly 20 years ago, she recalled considering another career path.
“I was in middle school when they said they were selling it, and I can remember being just devastated,” Suleymanian said. “This was my restaurant … I grew up here watching my parents run the business, I worked with the wait staff prepping for the dinner rush. I had so many memories here.”
Finally, late last year, she got her opportunity.
The most recent owners of the Crazy Greek closed the business in October and moved out of that same Staples Mill building, which the Panos family still owns. After a complete overhaul of the 3,000-square-foot structure, Toula and her husband Gagik opened the Greek Taverna earlier this month.
“That’s all (Gagik) and I talked about was one day owning and managing our own restaurant,” Toula said. “We finally got our chance.”
The Greek Taverna opened in 3,000 square feet at 1903 Staples Mill Road. (J. Elias O’Neal)
The space is equipped with 100 seats, a new bar, façade improvements fronting Staples Mill Road, new interior lighting, an updated kitchen and a newly paved and stripped parking lot.
Toula would not disclose investment totals, but said she and her husband partnered with her parents to fund the renovation.
“The goal is to get everything up and running so that my mom and dad can assist when needed and not work daily,” she said.
Jonathan Scott, who previously had stints at The Jefferson Hotel’s Lemaire and the Foundry Grill, will serve as The Greek Taverna’s head chef.
Much of the menu will use Panos family recipes, Toula said, including pastitsio, spanakopita, dolmades, pizzas, gyros and kabobs. Various seafood dishes, such as Bronzino – a Mediterranean sea bass – also will be on the menu.
“My grandfather George Spanos owned Byram’s, a well-known seafood restaurant, for years,” Toula said. “He was actually an original founder of the Crazy Greek, so fresh seafood will be a key part of the menu.”
A third-generation restaurateur, Toula said the goal is to make The Greek Taverna a destination.
“The area has changed so much, and we needed to change with it,” she said. “We are excited to be back in the area, and look forward to seeing familiar faces and meeting new customers.”
From left: Kitsa Panos and Toula and Gagik Saleymanina. (J. Elias O’Neal)
All Toula Suleymanian ever wanted was a restaurant to call her own.
But when her parents, Kitsa and Greg Panos, sold the rights to their Crazy Greek restaurant at 1903 Staples Mill Road nearly 20 years ago, she recalled considering another career path.
“I was in middle school when they said they were selling it, and I can remember being just devastated,” Suleymanian said. “This was my restaurant … I grew up here watching my parents run the business, I worked with the wait staff prepping for the dinner rush. I had so many memories here.”
Finally, late last year, she got her opportunity.
The most recent owners of the Crazy Greek closed the business in October and moved out of that same Staples Mill building, which the Panos family still owns. After a complete overhaul of the 3,000-square-foot structure, Toula and her husband Gagik opened the Greek Taverna earlier this month.
“That’s all (Gagik) and I talked about was one day owning and managing our own restaurant,” Toula said. “We finally got our chance.”
The Greek Taverna opened in 3,000 square feet at 1903 Staples Mill Road. (J. Elias O’Neal)
The space is equipped with 100 seats, a new bar, façade improvements fronting Staples Mill Road, new interior lighting, an updated kitchen and a newly paved and stripped parking lot.
Toula would not disclose investment totals, but said she and her husband partnered with her parents to fund the renovation.
“The goal is to get everything up and running so that my mom and dad can assist when needed and not work daily,” she said.
Jonathan Scott, who previously had stints at The Jefferson Hotel’s Lemaire and the Foundry Grill, will serve as The Greek Taverna’s head chef.
Much of the menu will use Panos family recipes, Toula said, including pastitsio, spanakopita, dolmades, pizzas, gyros and kabobs. Various seafood dishes, such as Bronzino – a Mediterranean sea bass – also will be on the menu.
“My grandfather George Spanos owned Byram’s, a well-known seafood restaurant, for years,” Toula said. “He was actually an original founder of the Crazy Greek, so fresh seafood will be a key part of the menu.”
A third-generation restaurateur, Toula said the goal is to make The Greek Taverna a destination.
“The area has changed so much, and we needed to change with it,” she said. “We are excited to be back in the area, and look forward to seeing familiar faces and meeting new customers.”
So happy for Toula and excited about the opening. Can’t wait to experience the food and atmosphere of The Greek Taverna! Congratulations Toula!
The Greek Taverna is a welcomed addition to the Restaurants in RVA. The Panos family always delivers excellent food at fair prices. I have eaten many times at all their Restaurants including Byrons, Crazy Greek (when they owned it) and Mama Cucinas. I was excited to hear they were opening an authentic Greek Restaurant. We visited the first time within days of the opening. It is completely redecorated and the food is delicious! Congratulations to Toula on her successful venture as well as her family for working hard togther to provide the community with amazing cuisine!
Oh, Toula! So happy for you and your family! So excited about trying out the traditional Panos and thrilled about the seafood!
The “dips” and toasted pita are great!