Q&A with My Big Fat Greek Express

My Big Fat Greek Express

Owners: Mike Apergis and Ryan Mitchell

Address: 440 W. Warner Road, Suite 104

Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Information: www.
mybigfatgreekexpress.com; (480) 705-9222

Q: Where are you from and what did you do before opening your business?

A: I’m originally from New York, and my roots are from Athens, Greece. Before launching the express concept, I spent five years with My Big Fat Greek Restaurants, running multiple stores, including the Ahwatukee, Mill Avenue and Avondale locations.

Q: Why did you open your business in Ahwatukee Foothills?

A: Ever since the My Big Fat Greek Restaurant left Ahwatukee there has been a demand for quality Greek food in the area. My Big Fat Greek Express offers the same great taste people have grown to love, at a faster pace.

Q: How did you get the idea to open your business?

A: My Big Fat Greek Restaurants have built a great reputation in the Valley. The “express” concept was developed to offer faster service to Greek food lovers on the go, while still maintaining a restaurant setting for customers who wish to dine in. People often say that we are to the full My Big Fat Greek Restaurants what Pei Wei is to PF Chang’s.

Q: What type of merchandise/services do you sell?

A: We offer most of the same menu items as the full service My Big Fat Greek Restaurants, but we took off the pizzas and calzones, and added new flavors of hummus, new signature pitas, salads, wraps and more. We also have a full bar complete with Greek beer.

Q: What does your business offer that no one else does?

A: Most of our menu consists of items that you won’t likely find anywhere else. We still carry the traditional Greek cuisine that people are used to, such as gyro, souvlaki and baklava. We also have five flavors of hummus, a Philly cheese steak pita and other dishes that you will only find at My Big Fat Greek Express.

Q: How have residents of the community responded to your business?

A: The community has been very supportive since the day we opened. They tell us that its about time “the Greek” made its way back to the Ahwatukee area. The response to the new express concept has also been favorable as the residents like the fact that we carry all of their favorites from the full restaurant’s menu. We have new dishes they can try, as well.

Q: What does your business have in store for the future?

A: My Big Fat Greek Express is looking to open several more stores in 2010.

Q: Anything else you want the community to know about you or your business?

A: We missed you just as much as you missed us! If you frequented the My Big Fat Greek that used to be on Ray Road, you may see some familiar faces at the Express. Come by and checks us out, we have specials going on every day. See you soon.