A family-run business inspired by recipes passed down through the generations has landed at the Five Valleys shopping centre in Stroud.
Mr Souvlaki is the brandchild of engineer-tuned-chef Ilias Alexeas, who has selected the growing street food market at Five Valleys for his third outlet, the artisan eatery joining existing operations in Banbury and Cheltenham.
With a focus on traditional but contemporary Greek dishes, Mr Alexeas said he wants to celebrate the memory of his grandfather, Andreas Giannopoulos, who founded a successful chain of street food outlets in America.
With a menu highlighting souvlaki as well as yeeros, Greek salad, skewers, courgette balls, halloumi fries and Greek sandwiches, the team’s effort is boosted by Mr Alexeas’ parents who have passed on the family recipes with a focus on restaurant quality and authenticity. All ingredients, down to the pitta bread and yoghurt, are from Greece.
Mr Alexeas said: “I always say that this is street food, it isn’t fast food. It’s really important that the quality is there and that’s one of the reasons I love the Stroud Five Valleys market – people value authentic and good quality food. It’s a great atmosphere and I’m really pleased to be growing the business here.”
Mr Souvlaki joins a street food and food market line up which includes Cuban, Mexican, Japanese and Thai food – as well as high quality bakes, butchers and fishmonger, alongside the popular Armadeli delicatessen.
Centre Manager at Five Valleys, Erica Malpass, said: “We are pleased to welcome Ilias and his team, Mr Souvlaki looks fantastic and the food is great. We’re really lucky to have another great family business joining our line up of traders here.”
She added that the arrival coincides with some upgrading and expansion to the street market’s seating area to accommodate growing demand.
Five Valleys has undergone a £30m transformation in recent years, with the latest phase of works currently underway. The centre is home to a new medical centre and the town’s new library, while the latest retailers to join are Peacocks, Sports Direct and the family-owned Ducklings Toy Shop.
Businesses interested in taking space at the Five Valleys market can contact Olly Jansen on 01226 360644 or olly.jansen@dransfield.co.uk.
