For 26 years Stephen Nomikos has serviced the hospitality industry in Melbourne, from working in his father’s taverns as a youngster to managing things behind the scenes.
For many Greeks in Melbourne, or those visiting, Mihalis Tavern in Box Hill was a place filled with joy and celebration, sharing traditional Greek food with the community whilst also hosting many a Greek weddings and christenings.
The tavern has since been closed, but all the lessons he has learned from his father Michael (or better known as Mihali) has been etched deep into his heart and soul.
“My father is definitely someone I’ve learnt a lot from over the years and I strive to be like him but in my own right and own way. We’re very similar, but also very different in many ways as well…He’s a natural at doing what he does when he’s with people, but he’s got that Greek flair that comes naturally. I’ve grown up in Australia, so it’s a bit different to what he’s naturally got and he’ll always tell you it’s in the blood,” Mr Nomikos told Neos Kosmos.
“I admire my dad’s perseverance to succeed and he also puts things back into perspective for me…Dad has never been a person revolved around money as silly as that may seem around a business but it’s always about the health and happiness of the family.”
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After close to three decades of helping everyone else out, the new father has now come to find his own muse.
Named after his own daughter, Gracie Greco is Mr Nomikos’ brainchild, melding together all that he knows about good hospitality and good food.
“I’m trying to recreate the old school hospitality in here, bring back the level of service that’s needed in hospitality that I think is sometimes lacking. I’m trying to have a contemporary feel venue, but at the same time trying to keep the food as traditional to the Australian clientele without over-modernising it,” Mr Nomikos explained.
The Camberwell fixture, ran by himself and his younger brother David is not your typical Greek restaurant. You won’t be seeing many blue and white chairs or fishing nets adorning the walls, but instead you will be transported to the upscale beach bars of Santorini and Mykonos.
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Unlike the carefree and relaxed days in the Cyclades, the beginning of Mr Nomikos’ journey with the new gem of Camberwell was anything but.
The restaurant opened up in October 2019, just a few months shy of what would come to be Australia’s worst nightmare.
“The greatest challenged I’ve faced by far is COVID. I opened the business about three or so months prior to COVID. Closing your doors when you’ve invested and put your house on the line to run a business and not knowing what was going to happen was the biggest challenge for me,” Mr Nomikos said.
The restauranteur however persevered and was able to throw together his takeaway menu, pricing and packaging all on his own in 24 hours in order to survive the tumultuous period. His sense of determination ended up paying off.
“The first eight weeks were shocking but after that it built up to the point to where I had to turn my Uber off on Friday and Saturday night because I couldn’t cope with the amount of food going out, especially when there was a window where people had to be home by eight o’clock,” Mr Nomikos said.
Above all, his greatest motivation for making Gracie Greco a success is his family.
“The inspiration and where we’re heading now is for Gracie [his daughter]. When I get up, I live and breathe my child, like all Greek families do. I don’t think any other nationality does it better than the Greeks to be honest…I don’t think there’s any more love in a family, than those with Greek heritage,” Mr Nomikos said.
It is with this love and great passion that Mr Nomikos is bringing back sincerity to the hospitality industry. Whether that be through the food that leaves the kitchen, the welcoming smiles of staff or when the restauranteur himself takes a seat with customers, old and new to make sure they feel valued and heard.
- You can find Gracie Greco at 536 Riversdale Rd, Camberwell, VIC, 3124, open for lunch and dinner from Tuesday – Saturday