Ergon Greek Deli & Cuisine, a fast-casual restaurant and specialty grocery store, has made its U.S. debut with two locations in South Florida — opening both within the last week.
“We felt now was the time to expand in the United States,” co-founder Thomas Douzis told The Real Deal. The company, based in Thessaloniki, Greece, also has locations in Athens, Rodos, Skiathos, London and Brussels.
“Ergon opened in Coconut Grove on Thursday, at 2982 Grand Avenue, Suite A, near CocoWalk and the Engle Building. Comras Company, which was part of a group of buyers that purchased CocoWalk in May for $87.5 million, brokered the lease for the roughly 2,500-square-foot space, Niko Theodorou, a partner in the South Florida restaurants, told TRD.
“We’re looking for neighborhoods that have the profile of our customers — families of medium to high income who like good Greek food, and who can become subscribers of our brand,” Douzis said.
Ergon offers two menus: a la carte and deli. Prices range from $6 for traditional Greek spreads to $17 for grilled lamb chops. The grocery component sells items such as olives and olive oils; jams and preserves; honey; pickled and dried vegetables; wines; herbs and coffee; and pasta, rice and seeds. The restaurant uses Zak the Baker bread and sells many of its ingredients, Douzis said.
Both locations seat about 85 patrons, Theodorou said. The Weston restaurant opened on Sunday at Weston Town Center, 1793 Bell Tower Lane. Plans to expand in the future aren’t yet set, but the owners are looking at areas like Midtown Miami and Doral.
Theodorou was also a partner in the now-closed Greek restaurant Egg & Dart, which was in the Design District from 2011 to 2014. Restaurateurs are flocking to Coconut Grove now, he said. “It’s no secret the Grove is coming back.”
Katherine Kallergis, The Real Deal
Read more at therealdeal.com/miami
