Exciting New Greek Eatery Coming to East Haddam
In East Haddam, a husband-and-wife duo is set to open their first restaurant, Thena Pita Bar. Sarah Turker and Niko Papathanasiou, known for their popular food truck, Greekin’ Out, are bringing their love for Greek cuisine to a permanent spot at 25 Falls Road in Moodus. They plan to open in May.
“This means everything to us,” the couple shared on social media. The new eatery will focus on take-out, with limited seating available. It will serve lunch and dinner from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. They also plan to keep their food truck active but on a lighter schedule.
Turker and Papathanasiou have been searching for a brick-and-mortar location since 2019. They looked at many sites before finding their ideal spot, which used to be a pizzeria. The couple has personal ties to the area, often visiting a nearby butcher for meat.
They’ve run Greekin’ Out since 2015, earning a spot on Connecticut Magazine’s Best Food Truck list. Their menu will feature favorites like pork and chicken gyros and Spartan Fries—fries cooked with the skins on, topped with oregano, feta, and shaved pork.
What sets them apart is their commitment to authenticity. They use a unique method for making gyros, stacking layers of hand-sliced meat on a vertical rotisserie. While many opt for pre-cut frozen meat, they stick to traditional techniques. “In Greece, that’s not how they make it,” Turker explained.
The couple values simplicity in cooking. They often travel to Greece to reconnect with family and the culture, noting how straightforward and delicious the food is there. “It’s so delicious,” Turker said. “A lot of places try to complicate it, but we prefer it the way it’s done in Greece.”
The community is buzzing with excitement. Sara Gregan, an owner of a neighboring business, shared her enthusiasm: “It’s going to be amazing for the town to have more food options.”
Local officials are equally thrilled. Lauren Pszczolkowski, East Haddam’s economic development coordinator, expressed optimism for the new restaurant’s impact on the community. First Selectman Todd Gelston called it a “fantastic” opportunity for the village.
As they prepare to launch Thena Pita Bar, Turker and Papathanasiou are not just opening a restaurant; they’re sharing a piece of their heritage and passion with the community.
For more insights into the growing food truck scene in Connecticut, check out the latest from Connecticut Magazine.
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Middletown Press
