Kefi Fast Fresh Mediterranean is the brainchild of Chef Nick Stanitsas and co-owned with his parents, George and Menoula Stanitsas.  The cuisine is primarily Greek, which stems from the family’s heritage. Guests will experience the uniqueness of Greek cuisine in a family-friendly atmosphere melding the Pacific Northwest with the best of Greece.

Nick is a recent graduate of the Cascade Culinary Institute in Bend. But his restaurant experience began at the tender age of 13, working with George in the family-style diner in San Diego.  Starting as a busboy and working his way up the ladder, Nick learned all aspects of the restaurant business, both front of house and the kitchen.  Nick also worked at other restaurants for many years while still contributing to the family business, before finally moving to Bend.  Once in Bend he jumped right into the culinary world, working for many of Bend’s fine restaurants while going to school. After graduation he spent a couple of summers in Kefalonia, the beautiful Greek island of his dad’s ancestry (depicted on the large photo wall in Kefi), working in a family-style Greek restaurant, fine-tuning his craft.

George emigrated from Greece to the United States at the age of 17 ½, and immediately joined his brother and uncles in the restaurant business in Southern California. George brings over 45 years restaurant experience to this new venture.  His self-taught entrepreneurial skills will help lead Kefi into a successful future.

Menoula is one of four daughters to parents who emigrated from Greece to the new country in the 1950s.  Together George and Menoula raised 3 children, Nick being the youngest. Menoula’s preference for cooking Greek food probably influenced Nick to choose this career path, as he was raised at a kitchen table eating Greek meals!  And Menoula was influenced by her many aunts and her mother, gathering the family at every holiday and feeding them wholesome Greek feasts whenever possible!

We saw a need in Bend for a Mediterranean restaurant that emphasizes freshness and originality.

We proudly use locally sourced and organic ingredients, whenever possible.

We welcome all guests to #FindYourKefi!

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