DORMONT, PA — Life is all about seizing opportunities, and Mike and Mandi Mills believe they recent came upon a significant one right in the heart of their community.
Click Here: Wilfred Ndidi Jersey Sale
Dormont residents for the past 17 years, they had walked past Knossos Gyros many times. Until recently, they never thought they would end up owning the popular eatery that has been a Potomac Avenue staple for 45 years.
“I was just looking around on Facebook and I ended up seeing the posts that the owners were interested in selling,” Mike Mills told Patch. “So I contacted them and I said I’d love to meet with you and talk about buying it.”
A deal was reached, and Mills expects to reopen a new and refreshed Knossos next month.
“It’s a great situation. I’m extremely excited because of the history of the place,” he said. “I really want this to be a community-driven establishment.”
Though Mills most recently has worked in the nonprofit field, he has extensive experience in the hospitality business. The central Pennsylvania native started out as a bartender at several chain restaurants and Station Square nightclubs.
He also worked with high-profile Pittsburgh restaurateur Richard DeShantz, developing bar programs for such notable Downtown eateries as Meat & Potatoes and Butcher and the Rye. Mills also spent time at Gaucho Parrilla Argentina.
Now it’s time for Mike and Mandi – an experienced social worker – to put their spin on Knossos Gyros.
The menu will not be considerably different, but Mike Mills said he is experimenting with tzatziki sauce “to add a little flair to it.” Ice cream definitely will be available and Mills hopes to offer desserts as well.
“I’m looking at making this place less of a restaurant and more a place with its own identity – a place where you can sit, hang out, watch TV, play games and enjoy some food,” he said. “We’re trying to capture almost that coffee shop-cafe kind of vibe.”
Mills this week launched the restaurant’s website, and plans to post the menu and opening date soon.
“We can’t wait to get going,” he said.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.