MARAGKOUDIKO

At Maragkoudiko, we take pride in serving only the finest cuts of meat, carefully selected from trusted suppliers. Our team works closely with farmers and butchers who share our commitment to quality, ensuring that every piece of meat that reaches your plate is fresh, ethically sourced, and bursting with flavor. From tender souvlaki skewers to juicy chops and perfectly seasoned steaks, every item on our grill is treated with the respect it deserves — slow-cooked over open flames to bring out its natural richness and smoky aroma.

But great food is more than just great meat. It’s about the atmosphere, the people, and the feeling of sharing a meal made with care. At Maragkoudiko, we don’t just cook — we celebrate. Whether you’re enjoying a relaxed lunch with friends or a cozy dinner under the Cycladic stars, you’ll taste the passion in every bite. With roots deep in Greek tradition and eyes on culinary excellence, we promise an experience that’s honest, hearty, and always a cut above the rest.

I was born on May 15, 1979, the fifth of six children in our family. My father, Dimitrios Siomos, came from the mountain village of Oxya in Agrafa, Karditsa. My mother, Panagiota Geka, also hails from Oxya — the daughter of the owner of the village’s central café, a place that was once the heart of community life.

I spent my early years in the village, surrounded by the simplicity and beauty of rural life. But when I reached sixth grade, the hardships and financial difficulties pushed our family to relocate — some moved to Athens, others to Nea Anchialos in Volos.

From a young age, I entered the workforce, taking on jobs in the fields of Thessaly. It was there, amid the hard labor and endless rows of crops, that the first spark of my passion for food and entrepreneurship was born.

In 1993, I landed my first steady job at a pizzeria, where I stayed until 1998. I later worked in the nightlife scene of Magnesia, gaining valuable experience in hospitality. In 2003, with the Athens Olympics approaching, I made a bold move — I left everything behind and relocated to Athens, working as an electrician’s assistant alongside my brother. Although I had missed out on completing school earlier, I was determined to change that. I returned to education through night school and proudly earned both my junior high and high school diplomas. That chapter of my life taught me the value of persistence and self-growth — two things no one can ever take away from you once you fight for them.

In 2008, everything changed for the better when I met my wife, Frantzeska Karystinaiou, from the beautiful island of Folegandros. The moment I stepped foot on the island, I felt a deep connection — and a dream began to form. In 2014, that dream came to life when we opened Maragkoudiko, our very own grill house. That same year, our daughter Margarita was born, making the moment even more special. As the years passed, Maragkoudiko grew in popularity and love, and so did our family with the arrival of our son, Dimitris.

Now, in 2025, I continue to live my dream with the support and love of the people around me. I thank my parents for bringing me into this world — and all of you for walking beside me on this incredible journey.