Toronto-based Jimmy The Greek, third-generation family business and beloved Greek quick-service restaurant, has opened its newest location in Toronto’s Premium Outlets in Halton Hills and it’s the brand’s first-ever dine-in experience.
Jimmy Antonopoulos opened the first restaurant in Toronto in 1985.
After offering food in the food courts of major shopping centres and office towers across the country for more than 35 years, Jimmy The Greek now has indoor seating, alongside its traditional take-out option.
“We’ve built a restaurant with a one-of-a-kind design that pays tribute to my grandparents’ hometown and restaurant roots,” said Nicole Mitrothanasis, Director of Operations at Jimmy The Greek and granddaughter of original founder, Jimmy. “While we’ll still be providing the same fast, fresh, and delicious meals, we’re thrilled to have created such a special place where we can welcome customers in through our very own doors, and continue to serve them our family’s favourite recipes.”
After immigrating to Canada from Greece, husband and wife, Dimitrios ‘Jimmy’ Antonopoulos and Helen Antonopoulos, opened their first fine-dining restaurant, Epikourion, in 1977. Upon noticing an opportunity to serve freshly prepared, home-cooked meal options for consumers on-the-go, the first quick-service Jimmy The Greek restaurant opened in 1985 to offer the same high quality menu options and Greek hospitality with the convenience of take-out.
“After our grandparents immigrated from Greece in the 1960s, they opened three successful Greek fine dining restaurants in Toronto’s downtown core. One of those restaurants, Epikourion, expanded to become the first ever Jimmy The Greek location in 1985 and it’s been there ever since as our standalone corporate location,” said James Mitrothanasis, Director of Network Development.
“This fine-dining feel has been translated to our QSR concept, shaping the brand identity of Jimmy The Greek – which we definitely feel differentiates us. And we’re really proud of it.”
The brand has 57 locations in Ontario, Manitoba and Alberta.
“The typical size is around 300 to 600 square feet. We are a compact restaurant in a food court. Our new location at Toronto Premium Outlets is 1,200 square feet, giving us a brand new landscape. We’re extremely excited,” said Nicole.
James said the company is excited to introduce its first dine-in, sit down experience.
“We’re staying true to our core strengths, but we are eager to expand our new dine-in concept with street level locations. We’re sticking with our roots, but looking to capitalize on this momentum,” he added.
The brand is focused on its existing markets and strengthening its foothold there.
“We are fortunate to have a vast customer base that appeals to all ages and demographics. It’s amazing to see three generations in line; grandparents, parents, grandkids, and friends. It’s food you can confidently share and feel good about,” said Nicole.
Using Greek cuisine and tradition as its guiding light, the new location has been designed to offer a relaxed and elegant mediterranean-inspired space. It nods to the original Jimmy’s heritage and fine-dining restaurants, including Epikourion and Penelopes, which first opened in Canada in the 1970s by Dimitrios ‘Jimmy’ and Helen Antonopoulos following their arrival from Greece, said the company.
“Notable design elements include cobblestoned tiling, alonger main table to promote group ‘family-style’ dining, and an archway reminiscent of traditional Greek homes and monuments. The design remains true to Jimmy The Greek’s legacy, promising all customers an environment to enjoy a home-cooked meal away from home, while also demonstrating the brand’s mission of constantly innovating its award-winning store designs,” according to the company.
