Niko Niko's facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Niko Niko's |
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The restaurant's exterior in 2017
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| Restaurant information | |
| Established | 1977 |
| Current owner(s) | Dimitri Fetokakis |
| Food type | Greek cuisine |
| Street address | 2520 Montrose |
| City | Houston |
| State | Texas |
| Postal/ZIP code | 77006 |
| Country | United States |
| Other locations | Market Square Park |
| Website | www.nikonikos.com |
Niko Niko's Greek & American Café, often called Niko Niko's, is a popular restaurant. It is located in the Montrose District of Houston, Texas. The restaurant is famous for serving delicious Greek cuisine. Chrisanthios Fetokakis opened Niko Niko's in 1977. Later, his son, Dimitri Fetokakis, became the owner.
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History of Niko Niko's
How Niko Niko's Started
Niko Niko's began on May 1, 1977. Chrisanthios Fetokakis opened it as a small "walk-up window" restaurant. On its very first day, the restaurant earned $15. It was a bit tough to get started. Luckily, Chrisanthios got help from Pete Pappas. Pete Pappas was a well-known person from the Pappas Restaurants family.
Over time, Chrisanthios's son, Dimitri, took over the restaurant. Dimitri always saw Pete Pappas as a great teacher and friend. He was very sad when Pete Pappas passed away in 2005.
Helping the Community and Environment
In 2005, Dimitri Fetokakis started a project to make the area around his restaurant look better. He helped to landscape the median across from Niko Niko's. This was part of a bigger plan to "beautify" Montrose Boulevard.
Before 2009, Niko Niko's used foam plates, bowls, and cups. These items are not very good for the environment. In 2009, Houston started a recycling program called RecycleBank. Dimitri decided to switch to "enviroware" plates and degradable plastic bags. These new items were more expensive but much better for the planet. People in Houston who recycle can earn points and use them at Niko Niko's.
Expanding to New Locations
After more than 30 years in Neartown, Niko Niko's grew bigger in 2010. They added a small food stand in Market Square Park in Downtown Houston. This new spot was like a "sidewalk cafe." It focused on "to-go" foods. Some popular items included gyro sandwiches, shish kababs, and hummus.
Niko Niko's has also been part of fun events. They have sponsored World Gyro Eating Championships. These contests happen at the yearly Festival of Greece. In 2009, the restaurant was even featured on a TV show! It appeared on the Food Network's program Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. After the show aired, Niko Niko's hosted a special viewing party.
In May 2014, Niko Niko's announced another new restaurant. This new location opened inside an H-E-B grocery store. It is located in Pearland, Texas, at Farm to Market Road 518 and Texas State Highway 288.
