Gyro Gyro co-owner Yianni Papageorgiou is Greek; born and raised in Sparta, in fact. Moving to Astoria, Queens in 2005, he once owned a diner there, and worked at Philippe Chow for seven years. Upon leaving the restaurant last June, he and his best friend of 20 years decided to have a place of their own, opening Gyro Gyro in August on Central Avenue in Hartsdale.
By the way, gyro is pronounced like “hero” in Greek, but Papageorgiou will let the usual pronunciation slide.
Horiatiki salad: Greek salad without the lettuce. Photo courtesy Yianni Papageorgiou.
“We really like the area; everything moves slower, it’s not like the city,” Papageorgiou says. The previous occupants also sold gyros, so equipment, including the vertical broilers where marinated meat is stacked and cooked, was there and ready to go when he and his partner acquired the restaurant.
Gyro Gyro is a fast-casual Greek concept, and the response has been excellent with many repeat customers. Take out and delivery is most of the business, but there is a quaint seating area in the back.
Another tidbit about the bestseller: gyros are served with fries wrapped inside the pita, just as in Greece. Falafel is another favorite. There are also salads and dips, and options free of dairy, eggs and gluten. While there is a kid’s menu, children usually end up ordering what their parents do.
Baklava, just like mom makes it. Photo by Sibylla Chipaziwa.
“Everything is homemade with original Greek recipes, we don’t buy anything,” Papageorgiou said, adding that mom’s cooking is the inspiration, taking two months to get everything right before opening.
Gyro Gyro
2 N. Central Ave
Hartsdale
914.437.9574
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