By Mike Cohen and Tony Medeiros
From Tzatziki to Souvlaki: Arahova Brings Greece to Your Table!
The Arahova brand has existed since 1971, originally established by Christos Kalogrias. While he remains active in the business, his three children have taken the business to a new level.
If you’re looking to experience the Mediterranean flavors of Greece, Arahova is the perfect spot for a quick takeout meal or a sit-down dining experience. This eatery offers a diverse selection of Greece’s most beloved dishes, all crafted with top-quality ingredients. From classic dips like tzatziki, spinach dip, cheese dips, and taramosalata to hearty favorites such as pork and chicken souvlaki, gyro doner, and dolmades, there’s something for every palate. You can also indulge in flaky, savory pastries like spanakopita, tiropita, and kreatopita, or enjoy a comforting serving of moussaka, a layered dish of eggplant, ground meat, and béchamel sauce. Whether you’re craving a quick bite or a leisurely meal, Arahova brings the authentic taste of Greece straight to your plate.
Most recently, Arahova opened its 13th location on the Autoroute Transcanadienne in Kirkland just next store to the Provigo. In March 2025 another new franchise will debut on Ontario Street and St. Denis in the Latin Quarter.
George Kalogrias, with sisters Tina and Bia, oversees the operations these days. Besides the restaurants, many of their popular items can be found at grocery stores. A few years back the first Arahova franchise opened in Hallandale, Florida. Another is on the way in Fort Lauderdale.
George proved to be a warm and engaging host, sharing the rich history of Arahova through heartfelt childhood memories and the journey that led him to take over the family business. Under his leadership, Arahova has grown far beyond just a restaurant; it has evolved into a self-sustaining brand, making its mark on grocery store shelves with its renowned tzatziki and other popular products.
George told us that setting up shop in Kirkland was natural. “Per capita, the Kirkland area accounts for our best grocery store sales of tzatziki so I knew this spot would be a hit,” he said.
What was once a single eatery has transformed into a well-structured franchise, with each location maintaining the same signature look and feel—ensuring consistency and quality across the board. Arahova operates like a finely tuned machine, poised for expansion into new markets. However, George isn’t one to rest on his laurels. His vision for the brand remains fresh and ambitious, driven by the belief that Arahova has an exceptional product to share with the world.
With a dedicated and experienced team by his side, George is committed to guiding new franchisees toward success. He understands that their achievements directly contribute to the brand’s continued growth, and he takes a hands-on approach to ensuring they thrive. As Arahova sets its sights on new opportunities, it’s clear that its winning formula—quality, consistency, and passion—will continue to propel it forward.
As for the future, Arahova is always taking calls for potential franchisees.
Arahova Kirkland: Your Go-To Spot for Authentic Greek Takeout!
Mike Jean and Christopher Dunk are very happy franchisees. Spiro Korzis, the brand ambassador from the corporate head office, is weaving his usual magic by ensuring that the new location succeeds without a hitch. Tables can accommodate about 25 people inside. A seasonal patio will hold another 15. This place will do very well for take-out and delivery. There is plenty of free parking in the strip mall. Jean’s wife Stephanie Dede runs Les Pâtisseries Dcake in Montreal North and she has established a small pop-up dessert display next to the counter.
We kicked off our meal with a basket of warm, freshly baked pita, perfectly soft and fluffy, paired with a generous serving of taramosalata, a rich and creamy fish roe dip bursting with briny goodness. The combination of the warm bread and the smooth, flavorful dip was the perfect way to whet our appetites for the feast ahead.
Healthy Bowls, Hearty Platters: Arahova’s Menu Has Something for Everyone!
Both of us were in the mood for something hearty and satisfying—what you might call a “loose meat” kind of day. Mike opted for the chicken gyro plate, featuring tender, marinated slices of spit-roasted chicken served alongside a fluffy bed of fragrant rice and crispy golden fries. No Arahova meal would be complete without the generous helping of their famous tzatziki sauce, a cool and garlicky complement that tied everything together beautifully.
Tony, on the other hand, went for the doner platter, featuring 100% seasoned beef carved straight from the rotisserie. The juicy, flavorful meat was served with steak fries and a crisp, refreshing salad, offering a balance of textures and tastes that made each bite as satisfying as the last.
As we enjoyed our meals, George joined in, showcasing one of Arahova’s new healthy bowls—a vibrant and wholesome dish packed with grilled vegetables, tender chicken gyro, and perfectly roasted potatoes. To top it all off, the bowl was drizzled with a sweet and tangy honey mustard dressing, adding the perfect touch of zest to the dish.
Every plate at the table was a testament to Arahova’s commitment to quality, freshness, and bold Greek flavors, and by the end of the meal, we were already planning our next visit.
While we were there at lunchtime, you can take advantage of an expanded dinner menu with the likes of grilled lamb chops, rib steal and chicken brochette. There are plenty of appetizers to choose from such as olives kalamata, spanakopita and calamari.
Arahova has built such a strong reputation in the Quebec market that its newest location is already drawing a steady stream of eager customers. Despite being open for less than a week, the restaurant has quickly gained traction, with a healthy lunchtime crowd filling the space—a testament to the brand’s loyal following and widespread appeal.
Strategically situated, this new location is perfectly positioned to serve residents of Kirkland, Beaconsfield, Pointe-Claire, and Pierrefonds, all of whom can easily reach the restaurant by car in just 10 minutes or less. Its accessibility makes it a convenient dining option for both longtime fans of Arahova and newcomers looking to experience its authentic Greek flavors. With its proven track record of success and a built-in customer base, this expansion is poised to become yet another thriving hub for the brand.
Arahova Kirkland is located at 16948 Autoroute Transcanadienne. Delivery in the immediate area is available via Skip, Uber Eats and DoorDash. For more information call 514-694-2222 or log on to www.arahova-souvlaki.ca