Owners Luftar Rusta and Edra Shtembari are celebrating six years of Tasty Greek Souvlaki in Reading's Market Place. They opened in May 2020 during the pandemic and started as a takeaway until indoor dining returned in July.
The business has grown despite rising bills and the cost-of-living crisis, becoming a town-centre favourite.
The menu is meat-heavy - pork and chicken gyros, village sausage, Philadelphia kebab - but they also serve falafel, halloumi, Greek salad, desserts and drinks.
He said: "If you work hard, like I’m working with my wife, we’ve got two little kids. Like, I’m doing like 80-90 hours of work, crazy weeks. I guess my shift was like from nine o’clock in the morning and I finish at 12 o’clock at night. Then it’s a 16-hour shift, both for me and my wife. You know, if you work hard, you can achieve something because you’re looking after people, I’ve been an executive chef for 26 years. So because I’m here, I’ve got my regular customers, it’s very nice, everyone’s happy, because I’m serving fresh food here. If you give everything to every dish that is going out and look after the place and make sure everyone and the guests are happy."
For Orthodox Easter they served kontosouvli - large chunks of marinated meat roasted on a spit - and kokoretsi, lamb or goat intestines wrapped with other seasoned organs.
Tasty Greek Souvlaki averages 4.7/5 from 1,239 Google reviews. Diners like this restaurant’s authentic Greek food, especially the flavourful souvlaki and gyros, which come in generous portions. They also highlighted the great value for money and the cosy and welcoming atmosphere. Guests mention the staff are friendly, attentive, and provide excellent service.
The couple are expanding: they will open Italian restaurant Aperino in the nearby Bristol & West Arcade and have consent from Reading Borough Council to sell alcohol at the new site. Both venues will have clearly separate menus.
Mrs Shtembari said: "We’re not going to mix. We want it to be a different experience, so guests can enjoy excellent food both here and there." Aperino is expected to open later this year.
James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporter
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