Monday, October 5, 2009
News / Restaurants Hold Your Souvlaki, Folks: Zavós Ain't Goin' Nowhere
Posted by Jack Silverman on Mon, Oct 5, 2009 at 10:51 AM
As reported at Nashville Restaurants and here on Bites, East Nashville eatery Zavós was padlocked last week, with "Seized by the U.S. Government" signs on the door. East Nashvillians and local foodies have been speculating that Zavós is gone for good.
But not so fast, folks! We're glad to report that rumors of Zavós demise are premature. Bites just got off the phone with David Gehrke (who, with brother Niko, owns the establishment), and he informed us that the delightful Greek eatery will be open for business again this Thursday.
"There are a lot of financial challenges opening a new business," Gehrke says. "It's a setback, and it's a lesson learned. It definitely sets your priorities straight on which bills get paid first."
The Gehrkes (whose mother Eleni is the culinary mastermind behind the food) are still moving forward with plans to get their liquor license. For now, the restaurant will be open Thursday through Saturday. Once they get a liquor license, they'll be open Monday through Saturday.
As the Gehrkes will attest, I'm probably the most loyal customer, typically eating there once or twice a week. It's great, fresh food at very affordable prices, and one of the best under-$10 meals in town. If you're already a fan, or you're anxious to add a new restaurant to your roster, come out this weekend and show your love.
Comments (18)
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I know it's only Monday, but that's the best news I've heard all week.
Wishing them the best and hoping for a full recovery. Jack can't keep them open by himself, people!
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i swear if they get their liquor license, it'll be the only east side bar i go to
Hi Jack,
I'll admit I'd only been by to check on whether it was open. Holler when they're slinging souvlaki again and I'll meet you there and do my part to keep the doors open.
Oh, I hope this is true! Zavos is my favorite restaurant in Nashville and I have been missing Eleni's delicious food!
This is fantastic news! East Nash residents, let's do our best to keep Zavos and Family Wash alive! (Granted, I might be biased since I live within sighting distance of these establishments, but they are darned tasty and have great atmosphere to boot.)
not to be a stickler, but it was the State of TN that seized it, not the feds. which means it was probably a sales tax issue.
Who Cares who seized them?? The point is they have great food and will be open for business again later this week! People need to support them so they can stay in business. My husband and I live in East Nashville and we go there once a week. We will keep doing so and telling everyone how awesome they are.
oh I agree with you angela, but I just wanted to make sure if they were going to report on a story there facts should be right.
He probably would have remembered to pay his sales tax if he wasn't distracted by his bartending gig at Red Door.
well, as one of the staff at zavos, i can tell you that we really and truly appreciate all the people who are voicing some support for us and those who come in week after week.
running a small business is difficult and you learn and grow and adjust. it takes time and neighborhood support is vital to that.
the gehrkes are a family i am proud to be a part of. and i really hope they continue to get your support.
(and i really hope i continue to not drop plates/glasses while on duty.)
and you know, many times, it's those other "gigs" that allow someone to branch out and start something new, to fulfill a dream or a goal. not everyone has a magic pot of gold to pull from.
we can't wait to get back to serving up (and eating) yia-yia's food. and in fact, i know if jack could keep us open all by himself, HE WOULD.
thanks everyone! see you on the weekends!
Update: I was in the neighborhood today and all the State Gub'mint signs are gone. I take that as a very good thing. A sign said "New Hours 5-11 Thu-Sat."
If somebody makes it by tonight, let us know and wish them best of luck on behalf of the Bitesters.
Καλή τύχη!
YES!!
reopening tonight and open thursday through saturday for the foreseeable future.
it may be skeleton crew (tonight the fellas are working and i'm only on call if they get busy-busy) but go by and help them run out of food and close early like the good old days!!
thanks again everyone.
So, we went last night and "yes" they were open! They had the spaghetti and also a gyro sandwhich as the featured entres. We both got the spaghetti bc we love it and it was awesome as always! Brother David Gehrke was our server and we chit chatted with him quite a bit. He is a really genuinely nice guy. Also, who should come in and eat while we were there...well, Jack of course!
I think part of the reason I like Zavos so much is that it just feels homey and I always feel welcome.
Zavos, glad you're back!:)
