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Acropolis Is Fired Up For Community

Tribune photo by JULIE BUSCH

Acropolis Greek Taverna co-owner Costa Waez blows fire behind the bar Jan. 23, 2009, to entertain customers at the restaurant in Ybor City.

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By LAURA FRAZIER

lfrazier@tampatrib.com

Published: February 18, 2009

RIVERVIEW - At a time when many business owners are taking pains to scale back and cut costs, brothers Costa and Sam Waez went to great expense to open their third restaurant, Acropolis Greek Taverna in Winthrop Town Centre.

The restaurateurs forged ahead with plans to expand because Acropolis is their passion, Costa Waez said. He also considers it an investment in the local economy. The opening of the Riverview restaurant created 50 jobs.

"Now we have 150 employees at three locations," Waez said. "Think how it would be if every person tried to provide jobs instead of just putting money in the bank or the stock market."

Waez said they also consider the concerns of cost-conscious customers.

A single menu features lunch, dinner and late-night dining items served all day at prices that range from about $6 for a sandwich to entrees that top out at around $15.

"That gives a choice to people who might want to go out for dinner but only can afford a sandwich. Or they may not be hungry and only want tea or some wine."

He said customers confess they would gladly pay more for the food, but Waez won't hear of it.

"Not everyone can afford to pay for an expensive meal, and we get plenty of business," he said.

John Sullivan, developer of Winthrop Village and Town Centre, said the arrival of Acropolis brings the commercial plaza to 100 percent occupancy. To keep the center occupied, Sullivan said he has been flexible with transfers of businesses changing hands and quick to adjust rents to reflect fluctuating market changes.

As a result, he said, the center is full and busier than ever.

"We're attracting tenants that we think are upgrades," Sullivan said. "We've got some good quality and energy going on here."

Reporter Laura Frazier can be reached at (813) 657-4523.

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