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Yanni was born
in Rodos, Greece. He came from a big family. Four brothers
in the immediate family and he is the oldest. From eight
years old, he helped his father in their spice business,
where he worked after school. The family came to America
and immigrated to Cleveland in 1976. "When we arrived
here, we thought all the buildings would look like New
York, big and tall. That's how we envisioned America. We
worked in restaurants not for pay but to gain experience.
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Our father thought
that living the good life is learning to work honest and hard,
and that would get you along way. So that's what we did, even
from grade school, junior high and high school." In 1983 Yanni
moved to Columbus, with the family and worked at
Fisherman's Wharf, his Uncle's restaurant, for several
years.
In 1985, his
father and uncles opened Nikki's Deli on Morse Road. Which
was the beginning of his learning the Greek and
Mediterranean Cuisine. His father and mother had decided
that they're immediate family restaurant with some of the
experience and knowledge. |
"I will instill in
my daughter all the great things my parents instilled in me to
live a very happy life. I love what I do and I tell my
employees that the KING is each one of our customers which
makes our restaurant thrive."
- Yanni Chalkias
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Yanni with the
Mayor of Whitehall - King Gyros Day
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