The COVID-19 crisis has turned our world upside-down in historical ways, bringing a storm of adversity to small businesses in Calgary. Many of these businesses are now in a critical fight for survival and the future is uncertain. Although tentative “re-entry” measures have been announced by the Alberta government, Family Fun Calgary would like to take the opportunity to introduce and interview some of the local businesses in our city. Let’s get to know each other! You never know what YYC Small Business Profile might become your new favourite.
Feeling hungry? You will be after today’s interview with Katerina from Greek Stories! She and her family run the food truck that brings Calgarians a taste of authentic Greek souvlaki.
Katerina, tell us about your business.
We are a big fat Greek family business operating our Greek Souvlaki food truck in Calgary and surrounding areas, creating luscious Greek food to proudly share with your families. We have been in business for 3 years, operating at festivals and events as food vendors, and we also successfully run a Greek food booth in Granary Road market. Right now we have a permanent spot at 2534 85 Ave SE, Calgary, along with participating in other food truck events. We are proud members of YYC Food Trucks. Our speciality is authentic Greek souvlaki that tastes just like the ones from Greece.
What was the inspiration for starting this venture? Where did you get your first idea?
We immigrated to Canada 10 years ago, and we missed the real Greek taste in the Greek street food we were used to. We felt it was unfair for Calgarians not to be able to get the real thing, so we came up with the idea to open a booth in a market to see people’s response. People loved it, and we decided to make our business mobile in order to reach more people who want to try a real Greek taste. Here we are now with our Greek food truck!
What has been your biggest regret? Your greatest pride or success?
Our biggest regret was that we didn’t follow our dream right away and we postponed getting our Greek food truck for so long. We are very proud of our products and the biggest success we enjoy is the positive response from people. This is also the biggest reward we receive from our business.
What would a typical day look like for you normally? What about now?
Before starting this business, we were working for various companies in a variety of positions, but now we are busier, more tired, happier, and also excited. The best thing is to work for something or somewhere you love. Meeting new people every day, sharing your stories, listening to their stories, and having successful events with happy customers is the best feeling you can get from your working environment. It’s busy now, no weekends and no statutory holidays, but even if it’s exhausting sometimes, we would not change it for any other job.
How have you adapted to the COVID-19 crisis and how can the community support you at this time?
In Greek Stories we take the safety and health of our community very seriously. We received specific instructions from our health inspector and we follow them to the slightest detail. We monitor all updates regarding the COVID-19 outbreak closely and we come up with daily plans that will ensure our products can safely reach our customers. We accept orders by phone at 587-966-2222 and our e-mail greekstoriescalgary@gmail.com. You can also order through the Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Skip The Dishes apps and we offer contactless delivery or curbside pick up. The community can support us by ordering our products, sharing our social media posts, and commenting so that we can be sure we are offering the best product we can!
Yum!
Thanks, Katerina, for telling us a little bit more about your business and we wish you the best of luck in the future. Find Greek Stories here or on Facebook.
Introducing YYC Small Business Profiles is a Family Fun Calgary series that will contain a random selection of businesses chosen at the discretion of the editor for interest and curiosity.
Looking for more tips on how to keep your kids occupied during the COVID-19 crisis? Find our best ideas, activities and inspiration here!
