Greek restaurateurs have been a consistent presence in Washington State for more than a century. Well over 200 Greek-owned restaurants have existed in the Puget Sound region alone, a few continuously since the early 1900s, and over 300 throughout the State of Washington.
Restaurants represent the intersection of Greek food, culture, and entrepreneurship, and the profession of choice for many Greeks who put down roots in the area. But beyond the menu, Greek traits were still evident and relationships were the key. Greek traditions of hospitality and building lasting connections with patrons combined to create a code of business that elevates customers to friends.
In partnership with the Greek-American Historical Museum of Washington State, MOHAI invites you to travel through history with some of the Puget Sound’s most beloved Greek restaurants and the communities that created and sustained them.
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Learning the Business
Period: The Early Years
Most Greek immigrants who entered the restaurant business did so out of necessity, rather than experience or knowledge of the industry. Many were uneducated and precious few had a trade they could apply here, so most were starting from scratch in the new world. Often arriving in America with little more than a strong work ethic and, if lucky, a contact name to seek out, immigrants were usually broke and hungry by the time they reached Washington. A restaurant job solved both problems since meals usually came along with wages.
OPA! Greek Cuisine Feeds the Mainstream
Period: Post World War II
The Greeks felt that assimilation was necessary for success in America. There was little widespread knowledge of authentic Greek cuisine prior to 1960, never mind a demand for it. Most Greek-owned restaurants served common American food: hamburgers, hot dogs, soups, sandwiches, and similar meat-and-potatoes fare. Typically open long hours, if they closed at all, Greek-owned establishments during this era were coffee shops and diners with a broad menu with little or no connection to Greece or the Mediterranean. They thrived by serving high volumes of alcohol and reasonably priced and easy-to-prepare food.
Part of America Now
Period: The current years and beyond
Just as the descendants of Greek immigrants have assimilated into the American culture most people are now familiar with Greek flavors and ingredients and many restaurants have further specialized by featuring cuisine from different regions of Greece. Some restaurateurs have returned to Greece to learn the contemporary dishes of their home country; they have embraced the changing culinary creativity in their menus. The health-conscious public has become aware of the Mediterranean diet emphasizing plant-based foods, use of herbs and spices instead of salt, fish and poultry and limited consumption of red meat. The diet also recognizes the importance of being physically active, an occasional glass of red wind and enjoying meals with family and friends.
About the Greek-American Historical Museum
The Greek-American Historical Museum of Washington State was established in 2009 with the mission of establishing an organized means of collecting, preserving and making available the history and culture of the Greek-American community in Washington State.
The Museum, also known as Greeks in Washington, presently operates as a “museum without walls” with on-line exhibits in the categories of Making a Living, Making a Home and Keeping Community. The internet provides a means of reaching the world and viewer responses have been received from far corners of the globe.
The primary activity of the Museum is to conduct video interviews of life stories which become online exhibits with text, photos and video segments. By the end of 2013, there were over 100 video interviews conducted and 85 exhibits posted on the site.
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MOHAI is respected nationally and treasured locally as a dynamic, innovative museum where historical exploration inspires people to create a better future for themselves and their communities.
Plan your visit today by reviewing ticketing options, location and parking details, and helpful visitor tips.