History of the Gyros

A World History of the Gyro

The word "gyros" comes from the Greek word meaning "to spin" or "to turn". The very name conjures the spin of a gyroscope, which in food terms, evolved over time into the cylinders we now see at our favorite restaurants, set into motion by hydraulic pressure. However, the modern gyro is actually a scion of a long history of meat feasts, dating back to Alexander the Great and his massive armies, known for skewering meat on long, sword-like blades over fires. A recent discovery by Julie Hruby of Dartmouth, showed that the ancient Mycenaen's used portable grills to make a skewered meat called "souvlaki", which served as the culinary backdrop for Homer's "Odyssey". The ancient souvlaki pans were rectangular and made out of ceramic, and were likely used by chefs cooking for the Mycenaen ruling class. While the traditions of the gyro were upheld by Greeks, Arabs, and Turks alike, it wasn't until 1922 that the modern version of the gyro became popularized.

Photo Credit: http://blog.oup.com/2014/02/death-alexander-the-great-poison/

As hundreds of thousands of refugees poured into Greece from Asia Minor (present day Turkey), the first gyro masters were born, many of whom had Armenian origins.  After World War 2, the gyro traveled westward, following the immigration patterns of the Greeks themselves, and shops began popping up all over Europe, the United States, and Australia...popularizing gyros as one of the world's first global fast foods.

Photo Credit: http://www.heritagedaily.com/2014/10/spectacular-finds-from-ancient-greek-shipwreck-new-antihythera-discoveries-prove-luxury-cargo-survives/105250

In 1965, George Apostalou opened Parkview Restaurant in Chicago, and soon thereafter, opened a 3,000 square foot gyro plant named 'Central Gyros Wholesale'. Apostalou's success spread the model throughout Chicago, until 1973, when Andres Papantoniou started 'Gyros Inc.', and put the dish on route to Atlanta.  As the fame of the meat sandwiches spread, innovations naturally followed suit. A man named John Garlic invented the first assembly-line gyro cones, which put the spiced meats on an vertical, inverted cone rotisserie. This paved the way for companies like Kronos Foods to manufacture the meat on a massive scale. Today, consumers eat more than 300,000 gyros a day...almost 100 million a year!!!

 Photo Credit: Hubs Gyros I, Inc.

It seems that as longs as the world is "spinning", the gyro will be one of its most beloved foods!!!

 Photo Credit: Hubs Gyros I, Inc.

40 for 40 Challenge

Celebrating 40 Years by Giving Back

      March 1, 2016 Tony Thanoukos and family will be celebrating 40 years at Hub’s Restaurant in Skokie! We not only want to celebrate Tony’s accomplishments and achievements but also continue the legacy of his imprint on the surrounding community.  

Tony’s life began as quite a struggle, growing up poor in Stadio, Greece and not knowing when the next meal would come.  After some help from extended family who had migrated earlier to America, he was able at 16, to come to the place where the pavements were lined with gold. Hard work and determination allowed him to break through stereotypes and language barriers to finally have a business of his own. He and his brother were proud to purchase Hub’s and work behind that counter 7 days a week. Later they were able to purchase two more locations turning them into Hub’s II and III before selling and splitting the business but there was and still is much accomplishment to be celebrated. Having won Silver Platter awards, being featured on TWO Saturday Night Live Skits “You like it da juice, “ being ranked top 10 places to eat in Skokie by Yelp, ranked top 6 Gyros places by Eater, winning beautification awards year after year and many more.

            Tony’s dedication shines through all of his achievements but also by just the simple man behind the counter trying to make sure everyone who comes hungry is every bit satisfied with their experience and most of all the food. From Greek recipes passed down by grandmothers, to creative burger specials, BBQ sauces and rib rubs, soups and chili made daily his aim is to please and for 40 years Tony has done just that! But it doesn’t stop there. Growing up poor, in a village surrounded by those in the same position where one couldn’t see the light at the end of the tunnel, his history left a very large imprint on his heart. Once his children were old enough to understand, Tony, along with this wife, Ann, taught their children the importance of giving back. Whether it was a homeless person who needed a coat and warm soup, a soup kitchen that needed food or a homeless shelter that needed donations (of any kind) just to get through the day, the message was clear … “You must give back, you must do something and you must leave your own imprint.”

            With those words engraved in our minds, we, his children, are asking YOU to not only help us in CELEBRATING the Legacy our father has created but also help us in continuing to leave that wonderful imprint of helping those in need. Those who if they just had that extra chance, that one moment to shine could move forward and upward in their own lives. A little confidence, a little extra care goes a long way and we would love for all of you to be a part of this great venture!

            If you are able to help (even the smallest amount leads to great movements) we would be so greatly moved and appreciate all of you who will take part in this endeavor. We have begun 40 for 40 in hopes that 40 business (restaurants, hotels, banks, anyone) will sign up and take part in helping us leave a greater impact. They say it takes a village and we agree. In this case, we hope our community and those around us can really help us to make that impact and to affect change. To give those who need a helping hand, that leg up to begin their lives with grace, humility and encouragement. 

            A few hours of volunteering, a couple of dollars from your pocket, bagged lunches from your book club or association you’re involved with – ALL MAKE A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE!

            We ask that all who plan to participate do so as soon as they can as we will be featuring all of you prior to March 1, 2016 as partners in our efforts! We look forward to hearing from everyone and helping us not only honor a great man but continue his great legacy!