Spartan
From a single restaurant to a $270M empire with over 80 locations
When I opened the first Spartan restaurant in 2012, it was more than just a business—it was a bold vision. I wanted to create something special, something that would stand the test of time.
What began as a small Greek-inspired fast-food concept has now grown into an empire: over 80 locations, more than 1,200 employees, and annual revenues exceeding $270 million.
But success didn’t come overnight, and it certainly wasn’t without struggle. I built Spartan with resilience, relentless effort, and a vision that never wavered, no matter how tough the journey became.
2012: The beginning of Spartan
The journey began with just one restaurant—and a dream. Before Spartan, I was a lawyer, working long hours in courtrooms. On paper, I had a respectable career, but deep down, I felt restless. I didn’t want to spend my life in a profession that didn’t fulfill me. I wanted to create something bigger.
In 2012, I took a leap of faith and opened the first Spartan location. I didn’t have a background in the food industry, but I had an unrelenting determination to learn, adapt, and succeed.
Why Greek-inspired cuisine? Because I fell in love with the flavors—gyros, souvlaki, fresh tzatziki—and I saw a gap in the market. I believed that customers deserved high-quality, flavorful food served quickly and consistently. I knew Spartan could bring something new to the table.
The first location was small.
I handled everything: training staff, managing inventory, even mopping the floors late into the night. I believed that hard work alone would be enough to succeed… but I quickly realized that success demanded more than just sweat.
Not only that, but I hit countless hurdles: operational challenges, financial struggles, and sleepless nights. There were moments when I wondered if the dream was too big. But giving up was never an option.
Instead, I turned every mistake into a lesson. Every obstacle became a stepping stone toward refining my vision.
2014–2016: Building the foundation for growth
Two years into Spartan’s journey, things started to shift. Customers were lining up for our food, and I knew Spartan was onto something. But I also realized something critical: I couldn’t scale the business by myself.
That’s when franchising entered the picture. I wanted to grow Spartan into a brand that could thrive across cities and even countries. But to do that, I needed to build a system that others could replicate without losing the soul of what made Spartan special.
This was the turning point for me. I meticulously documented every single process in the business—from food preparation and customer service to inventory management. I called this our “Franchise Bible.” It was designed to ensure that every Spartan location, no matter where it opened, would deliver the same experience.
During this time, I focused on three critical pillars:
- Standardization: I ensured that recipes, cooking methods, and restaurant designs were consistent across the board. Customers would know what to expect every time they stepped into a Spartan.
- Brand identity: Spartan became a symbol of strength, resilience, and authenticity. The warrior-inspired branding made us instantly recognizable.
- Training programs: I developed rigorous training for franchisees and staff to ensure that our high standards would never be compromised.
This groundwork created the foundation for Spartan’s exponential growth.
2017–2020: Rapid expansion and recognition
By 2017, Spartan had grown into something I once only dreamed of. Our food wasn’t just great—our business model was scalable, profitable, and attracting franchisees from across the country. This was the era of rapid expansion.
We adopted a unique strategy that set us apart:
- Affordability: Spartan offered franchisees a lower entry cost than most competitors, while still delivering exceptional returns. This made it accessible for ambitious entrepreneurs who wanted to join our family.
- Support systems: I made sure our franchisees had everything they needed to succeed—from operational guidance to marketing support.
- Community connection: we emphasized our roots and commitment to quality. Spartan wasn’t just a chain; it was a brand people trusted.
Recognition soon followed.
Spartan became one of the most celebrated fast-food franchises in Europe. To me, this wasn’t just about the awards. It was validation of the systems, the people, and the relentless effort that had gone into building the brand.
2021–2023: Breaking records and embracing innovation
The pandemic presented challenges I never anticipated, but Spartan adapted. We launched digital ordering platforms, optimized delivery systems, and introduced new menu items to keep customers coming back.
By 2023, Spartan had reached incredible milestones:
- 80+ locations: we solidified our place as a leader in the fast-food franchise space.
- 1,200+ employees: Spartan became a major employer, providing opportunities in communities across the country.
- $235 million in annual revenue: the numbers spoke for themselves. Spartan wasn’t just growing—it was thriving.
We also embraced technology and innovation, introducing systems to streamline operations, manage inventory, and reward loyal customers.
The secrets behind Spartan’s success
People often ask me what made Spartan so profitable.
The truth is, there’s no single secret. It’s a combination of values, systems, and people. Here are the core principles that have guided Spartan’s journey:
- A strong vision: I never set out to open just another restaurant. From day one, I envisioned a brand that stood for strength, quality, and consistency. That vision drove every decision I made.
- Commitment to quality: our menu—from gyros to souvlaki—is the heart of Spartan. Fresh ingredients, authentic recipes, and consistent preparation are non-negotiable.
- Scalable systems: success in franchising is all about replication. Spartan’s detailed manuals, training programs, and standardized processes ensured that every franchisee could deliver the same high-quality experience.
- Empowering franchisees: I see our franchisees as partners. I’ve made it my mission to provide them with the tools, guidance, and support they need to succeed.
- Adaptability: from economic downturns to global crises, Spartan has faced its fair share of challenges. Each time, we adapted, innovated, and came out stronger.
From vision to victory: the Spartan story continues
When I look back on Spartan’s journey—from a single restaurant to a $235M empire—I’m filled with gratitude. Gratitude for my team, my franchisees, and the customers who believed in us from day one.
If there’s one lesson I’ve learned, it’s this: Dream big, plan smart, and work relentlessly.
Success isn’t about luck. It’s about having a clear vision, building systems that work, and never giving up.
Spartan is more than a business. It’s a legacy. It’s proof that with determination, resilience, and the right strategy, anyone can turn a dream into reality.
So here’s to the future—to continued growth, to new challenges, and to building something that will last for generations.
