After years of unfulfilled promise, Mediterranean cuisine appears to be having a moment, thanks in no small part to the success of chains like Cava.
And think about why it works today. Mediterranean food is healthy. It holds well, so that makes it portable. But consumers can also enjoy it inside the restaurants.
All of which has helped Great Greek Mediterranean Grill thrive enough to land at No. 14 on this year’s Future 50 ranking of up-and-coming restaurant chains. The franchise is the fastest-growing Mediterranean concept in the U.S., and last year grew sales by 48%.
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The chain added 23 new locations in 2023 and finished the year with 51 restaurants.
Company President Bob Andersen said the chain’s same-store sales growth has been strong over the past couple of years and most of its locations this year are enjoying improved traffic.
“There are a lot of consumers struggling out there, and they’re maybe shifting down,” Andersen said. “But we’re seeing folks who still want a really great meal. They want a really great experience. They want to eat healthy. They want a great food experience. But they also want to have a great service experience.”
Great Greek was founded in Henderson, Nevada, in 2011. The brand thrived and started franchising in 2018 and is now affiliated with the franchise company United Franchise Group. The company was able to grow through the pandemic by selling franchises.
Andersen said that the service inside the restaurant, featuring real plates and a cooked-to-order menu, provides customers with more of a full-service experience. “It’s really an elevated experience,” he said.
But, Andersen added, “We’re also seeing people take their food home.” Catering, in particular, is growing. It was 2.5% last year. That’s on pace to double in 2024, Andersen said.
“It’s very communal, very easy to share, holds well,” Andersen said. There’s “just so many opportunities to grow in that fashion.”
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