Thirty years ago, on September 23, 1994, the Little Athens Greek Restaurant opened its doors in Bucyrus, Ohio, marking the beginning of a family legacy that continues to this day. My parents, fueled by passion, determination, and courage, took a leap of faith to share authentic Greek flavors with our small-town community.
On opening day three decades ago, a line of curious and eager customers stretched down the street, excited to try something new. Inside the restaurant, the aroma of fresh gyro meat, spanakopita, and baklava filled the air, while Greek music played in the background. My family worked tirelessly, each of us playing a role—my dad shaving gyro meat, my brother grilling kabobs, and my mom frying fries and making salads. I stood at the cash register, taking phone orders and helping serve the endless line of patrons excited to experience Greek food for the first time.
The response from our wonderful community has been overwhelmingly positive from the beginning and over the years, Little Athens has become a beloved fixture in Bucyrus. In 2012, my brother purchased the business from my parents and my dad retired. Chris is the latest business owner in a long line of entrepreneurs in our family, starting with our Great-Uncle Pete. He owned and operated Pete’s Shoe Shine for decades in downtown Bucyrus while my Uncle Timmy opened the Athens Restaurant in nearby Mansfield when I was very young. He is also retired now, but the restaurant continues to thrive under the current ownership.
A few months ago, my dad and I were excited to meet the new curator of the Bucyrus Historical Society, Alison Kovac. My dad’s face lit up as he explained the history of Pete’s Shoe Shine, which is located in the Carriage House on the property for people to check out during events at the Historical Society throughout the year.
The Little Athens Greek Restaurant in the little white and blue building at 308 N. Sandusky Avenue, has evolved under my brother Chris’s ownership. He has expanded the menu with new favorites, like Greek nachos and pita chips with hummus, while staying true to the classics.
As we celebrate these amazing 30 years, it’s a reminder of the power of community, food, and family, and how one small restaurant brought a taste of Greece to our little corner of Ohio.
For more information about the Little Athens, visit the website.
If you want to learn more about the story behind the Little Athens, order a copy of my book, Never Break the Chain, today at www.kimberlygasuras.com. If you would like a signed copy, send me a message at kimberlygasuras@gmail.com!
