The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill is opening in Arizona for the first time! The Grand Canyon State’s first location of the Mediterranean fast-casual brand has recently opened in The Block, 9280 E. Via de Ventura, Suite 103, in Scottsdale.
The Arizona restaurant has opened under the leadership of Lar Lazola, an entrepreneur who owns rental estates in Nevada and previously owned a gaming company in New Zealand. She joined The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill as a tribute to her grandmother, who established several successful fast-casual restaurants and is Lazola’s role model as an entrepreneur. Lazola plans to follow the Scottsdale restaurant with additional locations of the fast-casual concept in the coming years.
The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill offers a menu featuring modern interpretations of Mediterranean favorites and serves them in an elevated fast-casual atmosphere. Guests can enjoy classic dishes like the Great Greek Gyro as well as Lamb, Steak and Chicken Souvlaki Plates that are complemented by the restaurant’s fresh Greek salads and four signature house-made dips, including Hummus, Tzatziki, Melitzanosalata (eggplant dip) and Tirokafteri (spicy roasted red pepper).
“Owning a fast-casual restaurant like my grandmother’s has been my dream, and I’m thrilled to make this the place where it comes true,” said Lazola in a statement. “I can’t wait for the Scottsdale community to discover our menu and its unique combination of healthy, delicious food.”
Fulfilling the brand’s mission to Live Your Life Deliciously, everything is prepared in-house with high-quality ingredients that bring traditional flavors from recipes used for generations. The concept offers a wide variety of customizable options, including the Classic Greek Salad or Rice Bowl with a choice of Gyro Meat, Salmon or several other protein choices. Guests can indulge in unique offerings, like made-to-order, fresh Feta Fries and must-have desserts like Baklava Ice Cream and Rice Pudding.
The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill also specializes in catering large parties, events and meetings. Choose from build-your-own Gyros and Souvlaki Skewers, accompanied by Rice Pilaf, crisp Greek Salad, dips and desserts like Baklava.
The restaurant is part of the United Franchise Group (UFG) family of affiliated brands and consultants and is managed within UFG’s Big Flavor Brands and Starpoint Brands specialty groups. The affiliations give members access to a global network of resources and more than three decades of experience in the franchise industry.
“We’re excited to welcome Lar to The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill family and introduce our award winning concept to Arizona,” said Bob Andersen, president of The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill. “Helping entrepreneurs realize their dreams is why we’re here, and with our strong support, Lar will be one of our many success stories.”
The Scottsdale restaurant seats 64 guests in its 2,000-square-foot dining room and offers dine-in, pick-up, catering and delivery. The eatery will be open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.
