Congratulations to the Greek Village Restaurant and Taverna in Carlsbad. This year marks their 10th year in business, and a well served, well-deserved decade it has been.
In the beginning
Meet Kostas Manassakis, owner of The Greek Village Restaurant. He was born in Galia on the island of Crete. There, in the early 70’s, his family owned and operated a traditional Greek restaurant in the quaint village Agia Galini, the heart of Southern Crete.
Kostas served in the Army on the island of Rhodes. He continued to stay there after he finished his duties in the Army, working and even performing at a tavern in Lindos. He went on to work in restaurants in Crete and London and owned and operated the night club “Zorbas” in Matala, Crete.
When he met his wife Aimilia, they married and moved to the United States. Here they both worked in various restaurants. With so much experience between the both of them it was time to begin their own dining business. Their first venture in 1989 was “Olympic Burgers”, a fast food drive-thru. After successfully managing that for 7 years, they opted to open a restaurant, The Greek Village.
A family venue
The Greek Village Restaurant is family owned and operated. Kostas and Aimilia have three children, two daughters and one son, all of whom work at the restaurant. Their two nephews who are attending universities also used to work there part time.
"I think hard work, support and family has gotten this business where it is today." Kostas said. "I feel a great sense of satisfaction for having owned and operated this business with my family for ten years."
Another facet of his success comes from his culture. Kostas says that the restaurant represents a big part of the history of his "little country." Kostas also attributes his success to the community.
"Local people come and support us; people from other cities, states, even countries, come and support us. I say God bless America."
Soon they look forward to expanding their business in other locations; Kostas hopes within the next 2 years or so. He anticipates great success because he loves what he does.
"I think we will continue to grow because we have a deep appreciation of our job. What will be in the future? Maintain and expand. I want to stay healthy, share a part of my culture and give back wherever I can."
The Manassakis believe in providing great food, great customer service and entertainment, in a wonderful traditional Greek atmosphere. Kostas especially holds himself to the creed: "Whatever you do, do it well."
In fact, Kostas has decided to serve as chef in his own restaurant. His search for the perfect culinary creator has left him, so far, empty-handed. He has been unable to find a chef that could satisfy his personal standards of consistency in flavor and quality. However, Kostas isn't troubled by that. He says that he doesn't mind cooking because that is where his passion lies.
Greek entertainment
The restaurant provides a wonderful ambience with great atmosphere and lots of Greek d?cor. On Wednesday through Saturday nights, the place comes alive with live Greek and international music and dancing.
Kostas and the entire staff perform a variety of Greek folk dances during the evening. Customers are encouraged to participate as well. The Greek Village staff will perform dances such as Sirto, Hasapiko, Zorba, Hasaposerviko andZeibekiko. Saturday nights Kostas performs the Zeibekiko fire table dance.
From a small village in Crete to San Diego, Kostas and his family have made their childhood dreams come true.
The Greek Village Restaurant and Taverna is located next to The Flower Fields at 6030 Paseo del Norte and near LEGOLand park in Carlsbad. They are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week. Call them at (760) 603-9672 for more information.
In the beginning
Meet Kostas Manassakis, owner of The Greek Village Restaurant. He was born in Galia on the island of Crete. There, in the early 70’s, his family owned and operated a traditional Greek restaurant in the quaint village Agia Galini, the heart of Southern Crete.
Kostas served in the Army on the island of Rhodes. He continued to stay there after he finished his duties in the Army, working and even performing at a tavern in Lindos. He went on to work in restaurants in Crete and London and owned and operated the night club “Zorbas” in Matala, Crete.
When he met his wife Aimilia, they married and moved to the United States. Here they both worked in various restaurants. With so much experience between the both of them it was time to begin their own dining business. Their first venture in 1989 was “Olympic Burgers”, a fast food drive-thru. After successfully managing that for 7 years, they opted to open a restaurant, The Greek Village.
A family venue
The Greek Village Restaurant is family owned and operated. Kostas and Aimilia have three children, two daughters and one son, all of whom work at the restaurant. Their two nephews who are attending universities also used to work there part time.
"I think hard work, support and family has gotten this business where it is today." Kostas said. "I feel a great sense of satisfaction for having owned and operated this business with my family for ten years."
Another facet of his success comes from his culture. Kostas says that the restaurant represents a big part of the history of his "little country." Kostas also attributes his success to the community.
"Local people come and support us; people from other cities, states, even countries, come and support us. I say God bless America."
Soon they look forward to expanding their business in other locations; Kostas hopes within the next 2 years or so. He anticipates great success because he loves what he does.
"I think we will continue to grow because we have a deep appreciation of our job. What will be in the future? Maintain and expand. I want to stay healthy, share a part of my culture and give back wherever I can."
The Manassakis believe in providing great food, great customer service and entertainment, in a wonderful traditional Greek atmosphere. Kostas especially holds himself to the creed: "Whatever you do, do it well."
In fact, Kostas has decided to serve as chef in his own restaurant. His search for the perfect culinary creator has left him, so far, empty-handed. He has been unable to find a chef that could satisfy his personal standards of consistency in flavor and quality. However, Kostas isn't troubled by that. He says that he doesn't mind cooking because that is where his passion lies.
Greek entertainment
The restaurant provides a wonderful ambience with great atmosphere and lots of Greek d?cor. On Wednesday through Saturday nights, the place comes alive with live Greek and international music and dancing.
Kostas and the entire staff perform a variety of Greek folk dances during the evening. Customers are encouraged to participate as well. The Greek Village staff will perform dances such as Sirto, Hasapiko, Zorba, Hasaposerviko andZeibekiko. Saturday nights Kostas performs the Zeibekiko fire table dance.
From a small village in Crete to San Diego, Kostas and his family have made their childhood dreams come true.
The Greek Village Restaurant and Taverna is located next to The Flower Fields at 6030 Paseo del Norte and near LEGOLand park in Carlsbad. They are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week. Call them at (760) 603-9672 for more information.