Gyros, baklava and more: Greek Mediterranean Grill opens first Jacksonville-area restaurant

The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill opened its first Jacksonville-area restaurant on Monday in northern St. Johns County.

The fast-casual restaurant at 60 Shoppes Blvd. in The Shoppes of St. Johns Parkway shopping center in Saint Johns features freshly made gyros, baklava, spanakopita and other Mediterranean comfort food.

Nick Della Penna, former president of The Great Greek, previously told the Times-Union that they chose St. Johns County because of its consistent top annual ranking among Florida's fastest-growing counties.

The shopping center's location at St. Johns Parkway and County Road 210 near the Duval/St. Johns County line is an ideal location for the restaurant, he said.

"This is the primary commercial intersection within the community. It has great traffic counts. Its easy access to the plaza, makes it convenient for customers," Penna said at that time, noting that a new community — SilverLeaf — is coming soon to the area.

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The menu is packed with Mediterranean favorites including appetizers such as hummus, Tirokafteri, which is creamy Greek Feta with spicy roasted peppers and dolmades.

There is the classic Greek salad, a variety of gyros, a falafel pita, and a half-pound Angus beef burger. Among the entrees are souvlaki featuring grilled steak, chicken, Australian lamb and garlic shrimp, falafel plates, a rice bowl and gyro plates, according to the menu.

Franchise owner Dharti Patel intends to use the restaurant "to bring the community together offering nutritious and satisfying dining options for everyone to enjoy," according to a news release announcing the opening.

“We are so thrilled to bring The Great Greek’s Mediterranean favorites to Saint Johns,”  Patel said. “It’s been a dream of mine to open a restaurant in this area and with full support of my family, we are making it a reality.”  

Great Greek Mediterranean Grill was founded in 2011 by Penna and Trent Jones, a pair of third-generation, culinary-trained restaurateurs with more than 30 years of experience, the corporate website shows.

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The Saint Johns location is among 39 open or soon-to-open Great Greek restaurants nationwide, including eight in Florida.

The restaurant is open from 3 to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.