Defying the Odds: How a Greek Fusion Restaurant Conquered the Food Network

Entrepreneurial dreams often seem far-fetched, but for Think Greek, a family-owned Greek restaurant in Port St. Lucie, Florida, those dreams have become a reality. Starting as a food truck in 2014, Think Greek has since won "Best Bite" on Food Network's Best Bite in Town, solidifying its reputation for authentic Greek cuisine and innovative fusion dishes.

Revolutionizing Greek Cuisine, One Bite at a Time

Embracing Greek Fusion

As first-generation Greek Americans, the team behind Think Greek knew they wanted to offer more than just traditional Greek fare. "We didn't want to [just] do regular Greek food," says general manager Rosanne Leo. "We wanted to incorporate a fusion menu, coming up with different items that people haven't heard of before." This commitment to innovation led to the creation of their signature dish, Gyropitakia (Greek wontons), which would later become a standout hit.

Capturing the Spotlight at South Beach Wine & Food Festival

When Think Greek was invited to participate in the prestigious South Beach Wine & Food Festival in 2020, the team knew their Gyropitakia would be a showstopper. Their hunch proved correct, as the dish won the title of "Best Bite on the Beach." This recognition not only validated their culinary creativity but also helped solidify Think Greek's reputation for delivering exceptional and unique dining experiences.

Conquering the Food Network's "Best Bite in Town"

The following year, Think Greek returned to the South Beach Wine & Food Festival and won again, further cementing its status as a culinary force to be reckoned with. But the team's biggest triumph was yet to come. Earlier this year, Think Greek was contacted by Food Network to participate in the first season of "Best Bite in Town," a spin-off of the popular "Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives" series hosted by celebrity chef Guy Fieri.The premise of the show involved Fieri sending a team of three people to a town to try two dishes from six different local restaurants, ultimately choosing one "Best Bite" in that town. Think Greek's Gyropitakia once again proved to be a standout, with the judges praising its novelty and creativity. The family-owned restaurant emerged victorious, winning the title of "Best Bite in Town" during the show's finale.

Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Feedback

The newfound attention and media visibility brought both positive and negative feedback, which Leo admits can sometimes be overwhelming. However, she has learned to take it in stride, recognizing that it's impossible to please everyone. "You can't please everybody, and that's okay," she says. "Some comments are less than nice, and that's fine. Everybody's entitled to their opinion. All I know is that we're trying our best, and we're putting out the food the way we put out our food."This resilience and willingness to embrace both praise and criticism have been crucial to Think Greek's success. Leo's advice to other business owners is to stay consistent with their creative efforts and values, use social media to engage their audiences and uncover feedback for improving operations, and most importantly, to believe in themselves and their dreams.

The Secrets to Think Greek's Success

Think Greek's journey to national recognition has been paved with a few key strategies that other entrepreneurs can learn from:1. Seize opportunities as they come: Attending local festivals and competitions can lead to gaining more visibility, which can snowball into larger opportunities in the future. Being open to trying new things can springboard a business into fresh and exciting arenas.2. Embrace innovation to set yourself apart: Innovating products or services can distinguish a business and attract customers seeking novel experiences. Creating your own niche can help customers choose you over competitors.3. Value feedback, but don't let negativity deter you: Receiving criticism can be challenging, but recognizing that it's impossible to please everyone allows you to focus on giving your best effort to the things you know you can do well or even improve.Think Greek's story is a testament to the power of perseverance, creativity, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. By staying true to their roots, embracing innovation, and weathering the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, this family-owned business has managed to capture the hearts and taste buds of both local and national audiences, proving that with the right mindset and strategy, even the most far-fetched dreams can become a delicious reality.