Meet Your Neighbour: Zisis Greek Street Food

On Fourth Street, there’s a quaint blue house that looks like any other, but step a little closer, and you’ll discover something much more. Since opening almost a year ago, Zisis Greek Street Food has been bringing the flavours and hospitality of Greece to downtown Collingwood. Owner Laertis Katis specializes in authentic Greek street food, serving gyros, souvlaki, and grilled favourites the same way he grew up eating them in Greece.

“We are exactly the same thing that you would find in a small-town restaurant in Greece,” says Katis. “The marinades, the way we serve the food, the way we interact with customers, it’s all the same.” For Katis, authenticity extends beyond the menu. After spending 12 years working in restaurants in Greece and nearly eight more in Canada, he chose to leave fine dining behind to create a casual, welcoming place where people can enjoy great food every day.

A visit to Collingwood five years ago convinced Katis that it was the right place to start his business. Drawn to Collingwood’s small-town atmosphere and supportive community, he saw similarities to the close-knit communities he knew growing up. That community spirit influences how Katis operates Zisis Greek Street Food. Whenever possible, he chooses local suppliers and services, from printing labels to producing merchandise, and makes a point of supporting other local restaurants and businesses. 

As Zisis Greek Street Food approaches its first anniversary, Katis is looking ahead to a busy summer. Plans include launching Greek-style barbecue boxes and adding a patio to create an even more authentic Greek island experience. His long-term goal is simple: create a place people love returning to, one meal at a time.

Want to see more from Zisis Greek Street Food? Visit them in person at 29 Fourth Street East, in Downtown Collingwood, or online at zisisgreekstreetfood.com. Or follow them on Instagram and Facebook @zisisgreekstreetfood.