Ilias Georgatos, a Greek immigrant from Kefalonia, is making waves in London’s competitive food scene after opening his own Greek fast-food shop, “Pittagoras,” in 2021. Despite facing the challenges of settling into a new country, the 42-year-old entrepreneur has successfully won over British customers with his authentic Greek flavors and the larger-than-life “Giant Gyros” challenge.
Georgatos moved to London seven years ago, seeking a better life amidst Greece’s economic crisis. He decided to pursue his passion for Greek street food and launched his business, which specializes in gyros and souvlaki. Recently, he introduced a bold 4-kilogram “Giant Gyros” sandwich as a fun challenge for customers. Those who finish it in under 15 minutes get it for free. Otherwise, the sandwich costs £50.
“I left Greece in 2018 during a time of deep economic hardship,” Georgatos said. “After three and a half years, I opened ‘Pittagoras’ – the name is a play on words that sparks interest, but it’s the food that truly draws people in.” His challenge, recently posted on TikTok and Instagram, quickly became a hit, drawing massive attention from food lovers.
Georgatos’ success is not just about the size of the sandwich but also the warm reception he’s received in the UK. “Since day one, the British embraced us and our food. I’ve never faced any racism here. Many customers, who’ve visited Greece, say our gyros remind them of their best holidays,” he said.
Georgatos’ family has a deep-rooted history in the Greek food business. His father owns a souvlaki shop in Lixouri, Kefalonia, and his grandfather was the first to introduce souvlaki to the island in 1956. Despite his initial decision not to return to the business, Georgatos’ love for Greek food led him to open “Pittagoras” in London.
Now, his business is expanding, with two shops already in operation, and two more set to open soon in Canary Wharf and London Fields. “Through our food, we aim to bring a taste of Greece to England,” Georgatos explained.
The business is also a family affair. His six-year-old son loves the gyros and visits the shop every week. “We try to raise our children with a love for our homeland and its traditions,” said Georgatos. His passion for sharing Greek culture extended to his son’s school, where he catered a Greek food event, offering gyros and souvlaki to students and talking about Greek culinary traditions.
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