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The Athenian, the celebrated Greek street food brand, has announced a significant milestone in its journey, now proudly serving its signature dishes at across 77 franchise sites around the UK, including Sheffield, Liverpool, Manchester, Bournemouth, and Glasgow.

Founded in 2014 by Tim Vasilakis, The Athenian began as a modest street food venture in London, offering freshly made souvlaki. Today, it continues to grow, bringing the vibrant flavours of modern Greece to new audiences and gathering dedicated Athenian fans across the UK.

The Athenian’s mission has always been to redefine perceptions of Greek cuisine, moving beyond outdated stereotypes to showcase the diversity and depth of Hellenic culinary culture. From succulent souvlaki and gyros to vegan and vegetarian delights, their menu captures the essence of Greece, marrying traditional recipes with contemporary twists. Every dish is created using fresh, authentic ingredients sourced from Greece and local producers.

The Athenian’s success is a testament to the growing popularity of Greek cuisine in the UK. By setting up shop in foodie hotspots and vibrant neighbourhoods, The Athenian has tapped into a nationwide appetite for authentic and healthy Mediterranean flavours. The brand continues to champion sustainability and community, with initiatives like biodegradable packaging and partnerships with Greek producers.

“Our Athenian Owl is soaring higher than ever, reaching more people with our authentic taste of Greece. We’re immensely proud of how far we’ve come in such a short time,” said Tim, reflecting on The Athenian’s success.

The franchise has allowed The Athenian to maintain its commitment to quality and authenticity while scaling rapidly, and is part of a larger mission to share the warmth and vibrancy of Greek hospitality with customers across the UK.

With its latest expansion, The Athenian strengthens its position as a leader in the Greek food revolution, bringing a taste of urban Athens to the UK. In 2025, the brand plans to pilot two entirely new, non-gyros dishes alongside two innovative sauces, offering new and exciting flavours to its menu in the coming quarter.