Kostas Tangalakis, one of Australia’s most successful Greek Australian businessmen has been an integral part of Melbourne’s hospitality and nightlife scene for 35 years. In an exclusive interview with Neos Kosmos, he shared the story of his enduring passion for Greek music and the challenges facing the industry today.
Tangalakis’ journey began in 1985 as a waiter at the legendary Fantasia, a live music club that quickly became a cornerstone of Melbourne’s Greek entertainment scene.
He acquired the club in 1990, launching an era of unparalleled success. Fantasia provided a platform for some of Greece’s most celebrated singers, captivating audiences with their soulful melodies and electrifying performances.
The intimate ambiance, combined with Tangalakis’ warm hospitality and meticulous attention to detail, created an unforgettable experience for patrons.
Fantasia was just the beginning. Tangalakis subsequently opened “Vareladika” in 1996, “Kolonaki” in 2000, and “Kinisi” in 2006 (initially in Richmond and later relocated to Toorak).
Each venue has become a destination for those seeking an authentic taste of Greek bouzoukia culture, offering a vibrant blend of music, dance, and social interaction.
Over the years, Tangalakis has hosted a veritable who’s who from the Greek music scene, including legends such as Rita Sakelariou, Tasos Bougas, Vassilis Karras, Plutarchos, Peggy Zina, Vassilis Terlegkas amd many more.
This impressive roster underscores his commitment to bringing the best Greek nightclub music to Melbourne, enriching the city’s cultural landscape and introducing Australian audiences to the diverse and captivating world of Greek music.
Beyond his business ventures, Tangalakis is deeply respected within the community for his generosity and philanthropic endeavours. He has supported various community initiatives, demonstrating his strong commitment to giving back.
Reflecting on his 35-year journey, Tangalakis’ passion remains undiminished.
“I love the nightlife, the clubs, the patrons, the artists, everything,” he says. “It’s my life. I entered this world as a young man and 35 years later, my enthusiasm remains as strong as ever.”
The landscape of Melbourne’s nightlife has undoubtedly evolved over the decades.
“I’ve witnessed three generations of Greeks enjoying these clubs,” he says.
“My father’s generation was more boisterous, the next more subdued, and the current generation is quite relaxed. I admire the young people who frequent my clubs today. They dress well, savour quality drinks, enjoy themselves immensely, and return home without any trouble.”
However, the future of Greek nightlife presents its own set of challenges.
“People don’t go out as often as they used to,” he says.
“Previously, clubs could thrive on seven days of weekly patronage. Now, once a week is considered sufficient, and in a few years, it may even diminish to once a fortnight. Bouzoukia nights may increasingly resemble concert events, featuring major names from Greece.”
Sustaining a business with such limited operating hours presents significant challenges.
“Staffing becomes a major hurdle,” he explains. “Finding qualified professionals willing to work only one to two times a week is incredibly difficult. This applies to everyone, from waiters to singers. Fortunately, I’ve been blessed with a dedicated team, including my conductor, Thodoris Marantis, and my meter, Konstantinos Deris, who have been with me for nearly 30 years. Their loyalty and support have been invaluable.”
Tangalakis’s love for nightlife stems from his deep connection to Greek culture. “Greeks know how to enjoy themselves,” he says. “Seeing the club filled with happy people brings me immense joy and pride. It’s a feeling I wouldn’t trade for anything, which is why I’ll continue to be a part of this vibrant scene for as long as I can.”
His wife, Efi Tangalaki, has been a constant source of support.
“Well, let me tell you a story. The brilliant idea of expanding Goody’s restaurants to Melbourne dawned upon me as I realised it was time to hang up my party-hard hat and move on from the wild world of nightlife. I must confess, this entrepreneurial escapade turned out to be a bit of a rollercoaster ride, with some pretty daunting obstacles along the way. As luck would have it, the final numbers displayed a less-than-desirable outcome. And that’s when my wife, quipped that perhaps I should stick to what I do best – ruling the Greek nightlife scene. But in all seriousness, her unwavering support and understanding of my genuine passion for my work played a crucial role in my career. I wouldn’t have made it without her love and support.”
Reflecting on his illustrious career, Tangalakis singles out Rita Sakelariou as a profound influence.
“She once gave me invaluable advice,” he recalls. “She told me, ‘Be sad when they stop talking about you. We artists pay for bad publicity, and you’re upset about something someone said about you, for free?’”
Vassilis Karras was another significant figure in Tangalakis’s career.
“We had an incredible relationship,” he shares. “He once gave me a blank, white napkin. Like a blank contract, a gesture of his unwavering support, signifying that I could call him anytime, regardless of the hour, and he would be there for me.”
While nightlife and bouzoukia hold a special place in his heart, Tangalakis is also an avid football enthusiast. “Football is my passion,” he declares. “Whether as a player, sponsor, or coach, I’ve always been deeply involved in the sport.”
With his bustling energy and magnetic charm, Con Tangalakis has firmly established himself as a legend in Melbourne’s nightlife. His love for Greek music and relentless pursuit of perfection have earned him the adoration of the Greek community. His unwavering commitment to his patrons is truly unmatched, as he goes above and beyond to ensure their enjoyment.
