Greco Fresh Grille is opening a new location in Steele Creek, in the shopping center with Publix. When the restaurant opens, it will be the fifth for the fast-casual Greek concept. According to the restaurant’s owner, it’s looking like a late fall opening.

I first met owner Vasili “Bill” Pahountis outside of Price’s Chicken Coop, after he had paid for lunch for a woman behind him. He was hoping to expand his restaurant to the Phat Burrito space, and he was in the area to scope it out. Though that never happened, I promised him I would check out his restaurant. Bill has a way of making you immediately feel like a friend, so I did.

That trait of being able to befriend anyone is something you find in many of the staff members of Greco Fresh; perhaps Bill’s employees take easily to the Greek way of life. Ordering your meal is the start to your Greek experience, helping lead you into a mindset of eating and enjoying through a friendly interaction at the counter. Eat and enjoy you will. The gyros are classic, with moist gyro meat and garlicky tzatziki wrapped in warm pita. The grape leaves and hummus are authentic, and the dining room is simple but decorated in the Greek island of Santorini’s blue and white. Pahountis says he hopes to continue expanding, and I’m still hoping his next Greco Fresh Grille comes closer to UP headquarters in Plaza Midwood.

The new location replaces Firehouse Subs; the address is 12806 South Tryon St. Greco Fresh’s existing locations are in Blakeney, Colony Place, Wesley Chapel, and Tega Cay. —Kristen Wile

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