The fast-casual chain Nick the Greek has opened its 90th restaurant, bringing its mix of gyros, souvlaki and baklava to North Hollywood. What started in 2014 as a small idea between three cousins named Nick has quickly grown into one of the most recognizable Mediterranean brands in the country.
The North Hollywood site is run by franchisees Hany Ghatta and Vipul Katariya, both of whom have helped the brand expand across Southern California. For them, planting the flag in Los Angeles feels like a turning point. “Serving one of the most diverse and food-savvy markets in the country with authentic Greek dishes is something we’re proud of,” Ghatta said.
Walk inside and the format feels familiar yet lively. Gyro meats spin on vertical rotisseries, skewers are grilled to order, and the sauces are made fresh each day. The menu balances savory staples like pita wraps and gyro plates with desserts such as flaky baklava and warm Greek donuts. It’s a setup designed for speed, but the focus on freshness keeps it rooted in tradition.
The company has moved quickly in the last decade, stretching from California into Nevada, Arizona, Texas, Kansas, Missouri and Utah. Executives say they expect to pass the 100-location mark before the end of the year, a milestone that underscores just how quickly the concept has caught on.
Much of that growth has come from understanding where the demand lies. Urban centers have been especially strong for the brand, offering dense foot traffic and diners hungry for an alternative to burgers and pizza. The San Fernando Valley location, right in a busy North Hollywood corridor, is expected to perform well on the same strengths.
For the franchisees behind the new site, the opening is both a business move and a statement. “This isn’t just about opening another restaurant,” Katariya said. “It’s about introducing more people to food that means something to us and building a community around it.”
