A Celebration of Tradition, Family and Community

We are excited to share highlights from the Grand Opening of The Big Greek Café in Columbia, Howard County! On October 11, 2024, the beloved family-owned restaurant, known for its authentic Greek dishes and welcoming atmosphere, opened the doors of its newest location—marking yet another milestone in their journey of growth and community connection.

A Story Rooted in Tradition

The Big Greek Café’s story began long before the first café opened in 2009. Twin brothers Simos and Nikos, affectionately known as the “Big Greeks,” were inspired by their early experiences helping their father run a beloved restaurant in Silver Spring, Maryland, for over 40 years. This upbringing, paired with their mother’s dream of creating a casual gathering space for family and friends to enjoy authentic meals, laid the foundation for what would become The Big Greek Café.

Staying true to their roots, the brothers built the café around traditional family recipes, rich Greek flavors and a family-friendly environment. Their father’s presence continues to be felt, as he still joins them in the kitchen during early mornings, helping prepare meals and warmly greeting customers—just as he did for decades in Silver Spring.

Values That Shape the Café

The success of The Big Greek Café is driven by the core values instilled by Simos and Nikos’ parents: family, community and affordability. These principles have guided the restaurant’s mission from day one—serving high-quality Greek cuisine made with the finest ingredients while maintaining an atmosphere where everyone feels welcome. It’s these values that have allowed the café to grow while keeping its family-oriented spirit at the heart of everything they do.

A Growing Presence in Maryland

Over the past 14 years, The Big Greek Café has expanded across Maryland, becoming a community staple in multiple cities. With the recent grand opening in Columbia, the café now operates nine locations, including Silver Spring, Rockville, Kensington, Bethesda, Hillandale, Urbana, Laurel, Cockeysville and their newest spot in Howard County.

This latest opening was met with excitement from both local residents and long-time fans of the café. The grand opening event brought together families, community leaders and food lovers eager to experience the authentic dishes The Big Greek Café is known for. Guests were treated to delicious menu offerings, including their famous gyros, spanakopita and baklava, all prepared with the same care and quality that have made the café a success over the years.

A Strong Community Connection

The Big Greek Café’s expansion hasn’t just been about opening new locations—it’s been about becoming a part of each community they serve. In addition to providing delicious meals, the café is committed to giving back through community partnerships, fundraisers and donations. Their full-service catering options have made them a go-to choice for special events, further strengthening their connection to local communities.

Simos, Nikos and their cousin, Phil Sardelis—who joined the business in 2020 to help drive expansion—have ensured that despite the café’s growth, it remains deeply rooted in its original values. The café now boasts a team of 225 employees across its locations, all dedicated to maintaining the family-centric culture that has defined The Big Greek Café from the beginning.

A Bright Future Ahead

The Big Greek Café’s grand opening in Columbia is a testament to the dedication and vision of Simos and Nikos, their commitment to their family’s legacy and their passion for creating a space where people can enjoy high-quality, authentic Greek cuisine. With this new location, the café continues its mission to bring communities together over meals that feel like home.

If you haven’t had the chance to visit the new Columbia location yet, we encourage you to stop by and experience the warmth, flavor and hospitality that make The Big Greek Café so special. As the café continues to grow, one thing remains certain: no matter how big they get, The Big Greek Café will always feel like family.