In 2022, Gregory's celebrated 50 years of operation! During this time, it developed, evolved, and became the Gregory's of today, present in every neighborhood and an integral part of people's everyday lives. The Gregory's of today includes all those individuals who have written and continue to write its history—the moments and events that made it stronger and provided it with knowledge, resources, and expertise to write the next pages of its story with a smile and passion.
In 1972, Gregory Georgatos decides to fulfill his dream and opens a store on Vouliagmenis Avenue, which he names after himself. This store was destined to make history and become associated with the most delicious traditional pies, which would later become beloved by the next generations. The pies he prepares have the "secrets" of his birthplace, Kefalonia, and his wife Sonia's birthplace, Constantinople.
The products he sells include cheese pie, sausage pie, ham and cheese pie, loukoumades, and ice cream made exclusively from sheep's milk. All of them are meticulously crafted with select, high-quality ingredients sourced from all over Greece. The pies become extremely popular, and Gregory and Sonia realize that one store is not enough to meet the high demand. They decide to open two more stores, and by the end of the first decade, Gregory's owns three stores in the southern suburbs of Athens.
The second generation, Vlassis and Artemis, take an active role in the management of the company, alongside Gregory and Sonia. Together, they envision making "Gregory's" a big and well-known brand everywhere. They work hard, strengthen the company's structure, observe, and constantly seek to understand the desires of the consumers. And they find it! In 1991, Vlassis realizes that Greeks would love to enjoy their coffee on the go. He purchases professional espresso machines and introduces the take-away service, selling cappuccino, iced cappuccino, and freddo. Additionally, they expand the product range by offering sandwiches, which experience unprecedented success among customers.
As expected, Gregory's attracts a larger audience, and the demand for their products increases. By the end of the decade, the company has five stores in the Attica region.
In 1994, Vlassis and Artemis decide to expand Gregory's through the franchise method. This strategic decision is carefully planned so that Gregory's, as the parent company, supports and trains franchisee partners, who in turn develop their own stores with the aim of providing the best service to customers. In 2000, Gregory's adopts a new signature. The logo is accompanied by the word "mikrogevmata", which becomes a huge success and becomes closely associated with Gregory's. In 2001, Gregory's opens a store at Eleftherios Venizelos Airport, becoming the only Greek company in the food industry with a presence in the new state-of-the-art airport in Attica.
By the end of the decade, Gregory's boasts 90 stores and experiences significant growth and recognition.
It is a decade that starts optimistically with Greece's inclusion in the Eurozone but ends with a prolonged financial crisis. However, Gregory's experiences upheavals as well. By the beginning of 2002, the company has reached 100 stores and continues to expand into other food-related concepts. Engaging in additional activities increases the company's borrowing and creates financial challenges.
In response to the new circumstances, the Georgatos family changes the management model, establishes processes, and implements a strict recovery plan. Their efforts prove worthwhile as Gregory's not only quickly surpasses the crisis but also enters a phase of healthy growth. By 2005, the company expands its presence to Cyprus, and by the end of the decade, Gregory's operates 250 stores.
Despite the economic challenges, Gregory's successfully navigates the turbulent times and emerges stronger, solidifying its position as a leading brand in the food industry in Greece and beyond.
During the years of crisis, Gregory's finds himself strong and focused on consumer needs. In 2012, he makes a groundbreaking move by reducing the price of coffee from €2.30 to €1.30, showing his customers that he is there for them with exceptionally low prices. At the same time, he takes on social responsibility initiatives to support Greek society, which is being tested by continuous austerity measures. He collaborates with the NGO "We Can" by offering hundreds of thousands of meals for charitable purposes. In 2015, he creates the "Decatiano in Schools" program and provides school meals to thousands of students in Attica. Simultaneously, he expands internationally, entering Germany and Romania.
In 2016, he rebrands and changes his corporate identity. His new signature is fresh, pure, handmade, affordable, human, and with personality. He continues to invest in digital transformation, launching an application for online orders and pioneering an e-learning method to train store personnel. In 2021, he unveils a new impressive image in his stores, marking the transition to a new era.
Today, at Gregory's stores, customers can enjoy what they seek... to brighten their day. Coffee, beverages, juices, pies, salads, desserts, vegan & wellbeing options. Everything freshly made and freshly baked with lots of love and passion, and served with a heartfelt smile.
This is exactly our vision for the future, to continue with the same values and the same orientation. With the same respect for the employees, partners, customers, and society. With the same passion, dedication, and devotion, offering the best products and warmest hospitality to our customers.
