Houston's beloved gyro shop Niko Niko's just debuted its third location in The Woodlands, taking over a space once occupied by Luby's. This newest spot is said to be the largest in the Niko Niko's family, and it opened its doors with a soft launch on Tuesday, according to the Houston Chronicle. The Greek chain, renowned for its feta oven-fried potatoes, gyros and kabobs, has been a fixture in Houston's Montrose neighborhood since 1977, and this latest expansion follows a lineage of family business evolution.
Owner Dimitri Fetokakis, who took command of the restaurant in 1994, embarked on the new venture with the help of two cousins – continuing a legacy begun nearly half a century earlier when their fathers introduced what would eventually morph into Texas' best sandwich shop. "That was (47) years ago, and now we're just picking up where our parents left off," Fetokakis told the Houston Chronicle. A series of successful pop-up shops during the pandemic, particularly in The Woodlands, helped to quickly establish a strong market in the area, prompting the team to set down roots there.
Beyond the traditional fare that earned Niko Niko's its celebrated status, the new location on Lake Front Circle flaunts some additions, including a rotisserie for Greek pork shoulder and a full-service coffee shop counter, as reported by the Houston Chronicle. The space reflects its past with interactive window counters showcasing desserts and boasts the chain's largest standalone station for its signature Greek honey balls, loukoumades, complete with an array of toppings.
The expansion also introduces the brand's first-ever drive-thru feature. Additionally, it offers an extensive seating area spread over the indoor dining space, outdoor patio, and private dining room – aimed to easily accommodate more than 400 patrons. According to Chron.com, the restaurant seeks to draw customers not just from The Woodlands but from surrounding northern Houston suburbs such as Shenandoah and Spring.
Embracing the community and its own Greek roots, the restaurant's exterior echoes the traditional aesthetic of Chios, the Greek island from where the family hails. Fetokakis values consistency, something that has kept customers returning for generations. "It's a blessing that we have such a strong brand, but you can easily lose it," he said in a statement obtained by the Houston Chronicle. With the restaurant aiming for its grand opening in the upcoming weeks, Niko Niko's at 922 Lake Front Circle is poised to continue its tradition as a community staple.
