Farewell to George Ragheb: Little Athens Gyro Changes Hands

News Summary

Little Athens Gyro, a staple Mediterranean restaurant in Tallahassee, has transitioned ownership from George Ragheb to Ryan Barrett after 35 years in the food business. The new owner aims to honor the restaurant’s legacy while introducing new menu items and enhancing the dining experience. Notable offerings like gyros, falafel, and baklava will remain, while family-friendly features are being added. The Ragheb family leaves behind a beloved establishment that has fostered community connections and loyalty.

Tallahassee is bidding farewell to a beloved restaurant landmark as George Ragheb announces his retirement after 35 years in the food business. Little Athens Gyro, a staple of Mediterranean cuisine in the city, has been passed on to a new owner, Ryan Barrett, who took over the establishment on April 14, 2023.

Little Athens Gyro was founded in 2009 by the Ragheb family, who previously owned Captain Pete’s House of Gyros, a business they opened in 1985 after moving from Egypt to the United States. Known for their warm and welcoming service, the Raghebs have served thousands of customers, popularizing gyros—a traditional Greek sandwich typically made with lamb or beef, accompanied by tomatoes, onions, and tzatziki sauce. George Ragheb expressed gratitude in light of his retirement, looking forward to spending more time with his family, including visits to his sons in Nashville and potential travels to the Middle East.

Ryan Barrett and his wife, Megan, officially reopened Little Athens Gyro on May 8, 2023, with a vision to honor the restaurant’s legacy while introducing new elements to the dining experience. Barrett, who has management experience from previous roles at Moe’s Southwest Grill, plans to refresh the restaurant’s decor and atmosphere, which now features vibrant imagery of the Mediterranean and a welcoming ambiance.

While Barrett aims to maintain the beloved recipes that originally drew customers to Little Athens Gyro, he is also introducing some new menu items. These include a children’s menu, pita nachos, and popcorn chicken, which align with his goal of making the restaurant more family-friendly. Barrett has also envisioned an interactive dining environment, including a take-one, leave-one library and board games for patrons to enjoy.

Although prices have risen slightly, with traditional gyros now priced below $7, the core offerings remain intact. Customers can still find familiar favorites such as meat pastisio, falafel, spinach pie, and desserts like baklava on the menu. The Raghebs had developed a loyal customer base over the years, including regular diners like Paul and Judy Rogers, who have frequented the restaurant for over 20 years.

As Tallahassee’s culinary landscape evolves, new Mediterranean options such as Yasou, Kairos, and Taziki’s have emerged, competing with established names like Little Athens Gyro. George Ragheb, who estimates he made over 750,000 gyros during his career and hopes to reach a milestone of a million before fully stepping away, leaves behind a strong foundation for Barrett.

In addition to his plans for menu expansion, Barrett is also looking to enhance the dining experience through increased social media engagement and the application for a beer and wine license. The transition of ownership marks not only a new chapter for Little Athens Gyro but also reflects the community’s appreciation for authentic Mediterranean cuisine and the personal connections fostered over decades by the Ragheb family.

As the new chapter begins at Little Athens Gyro, the restaurant promises to continue serving the Tallahassee community with warmth, delicious food, and the same hospitable atmosphere that made it a local favorite under George Ragheb’s stewardship.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Additional Resources

• Tallahassee.com: New life for Little Athens Gyro
• Tallahassee.com: Big Fat Greek Gyro at Little Athens
• Tallahassee.com: Get Your Gyro All Around Town
• PR Newswire: Urbanspoon Top 100 Cheap Eats
• Tallahassee.com: Acropolis Greek Taverna Opening
• Wikipedia: Gyro
• Google Search: Little Athens Gyro
• Google Scholar: Mediterranean Cuisine
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Greek Cuisine
• Google News: Tallahassee Restaurants

Author: HERE Tallahassee