The Spiros Effect

Our holiday rep. told us there were around 100 eating places in Parga, Greece. And without counting, we think he’s right.

We visited seven restaurants and a similar number of bars. Each one of the restaurants was between very good to excellent [Zorbas, Rudi’s, Veneziano, Symposium, Golfo, Dionysus and…Bacchos].

So, a random sample generates seven great eating experiences, and 93 more to follow. However, only one has people queuing to go in. Bacchos. Traditional Greek Taverna.

How did they do it?

Food, as already said – very good, but not truly exceptional. Staff? Superb. Friendly, attentive, permanent [unforced] smiles all round. Prices? Parga average [very reasonable]. Ambience. Typical upbeat Greek atmosphere. Location? Very good, right on the front, but no better than six others. And six others had staff attempting to entice you in to their tavernas. Most were very good. Polite and you never felt pressured or irritated.

But Bacchos have Spiros. And he has a female assistant. They both shake your hands, or touch your shoulders when passing. If you show any interest, a ‘free’ drink may follow. But at most times of the evening, you will have to wait to get a seat.

He is charm personified. Always smiling, always watching. A little Greek dance here, a gesture to look at the menu there.

On Thursday [24/6] when we did sit down [after waiting 20 minutes, and having gone elsewhere two nights previously even after the free drinks], we felt a high degree of anticipation. We were not disappointed.

What price Spiros?

But more to the point, what price conviction, exceptional service and genuine love for what you are doing?

Jack Stewart