Sisters Kelly and Georgia Galatas have been working in the food business almost their whole lives. The girls, Kelly, 24, and Georgia, 22, gained experience at their parent’s restaurant, Niko’s Grill in Charlotte. When the business wanted to expand to Stanley, the girls took the spot at the helm.
The restaurant specializes in Greek and Mediterranean foods, including cheese steak subs, pita sandwiches and burgers. Kelly and Georgia’s parents, Dimitra and Thomas Galatas, opened their first restaurant, Niko’s Subs, in 1987 on Wilkinson Boulevard. Their mother traveled from Greece and began working in a deli.
“She learned how to work the deli in two weeks, she barely knew any English,” Kelly said.
Ever since, it’s been a passion for the family. In August 2002, the family opened Niko’s Grill in Charlotte. It’s a fully family-run establishment. Niko’s is named after Kelly and Georgia’s younger brother. The girls grew up in the restaurant.
“We started probably in third grade. We used to go and clean tables, but they wouldn’t let us do too much,” Kelly said. “We made forts in the kitchen with the boxes.”
So when they were looking to expand, the girls wanted to take charge. Their search for a space led them to Stanley. The sisters had friends in Stanley and were driving through town one day when they spotted the vacant store. Situated on Main Street beside the Stanley Convenience Store, the location was good, but the store needed some work.
“It looked like a mess,” the girls say in unison.
So they went to work, tidying up the place and making it their own. “It looked nothing like what it looks like now,” Kelly said. “Everyday I still look at it and am like, ‘Wow.’”
Since their opening in May, the sisters say they’ve been welcomed by the small town. “It’s fun. We get to talk to people all the time,” Kelly said. “We stay busy and it’s something we’re good at and we’re confident at.”
Families coming in after youth sports games, takeout orders and catering are their biggest moneymakers. Their most popular items are the tuna and chicken salads, cheese steaks, burgers. Customers love their signature Italian dressing too, they said.
Their meat is freshly cut every morning in their Charlotte restaurant, where the girls work the breakfast shift with their parents. As first time restaurant owners, the girls hope it’s a long-term gig.
“Everybody always asks, you know, ‘how long do ya’ll think you’ll be here?’” Kelly said. “I hope for a long time.”
You can reach reporter Lauren Baheri at 704-869-1842 or Twitter.com/lbaheri.
Niko’s Grill hours:
124 N. Main St., Stanley
704-263-1311
Monday – Friday 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Saturday 11:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Sunday closed