Attention, Blair foodies! Get ready to experience a taste of Greece right here in our beloved town! The wildly popular “Greek To Me” food truck, known for their mouthwatering gyros and unparalleled customer service, will be parked at Balls Out Motors in Blair today, Wednesday, March 29, 2023, from 11AM to 7PM. Don’t miss your chance to savor authentic Greek cuisine made from Antonopoulos family recipes and locally sourced ingredients. Whether you’re a fan of their classic gyros or eager to try their kid-friendly, gluten-free, and vegan options, “Greek To Me” has something for everyone. Swing by Balls Out Motors and join the food truck sensation that’s capturing hearts and taste buds all over Blair, and see for yourself why the say, “nobody food trucks like we food truck.”
Blair, Nebraska, might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of authentic Greek cuisine, but the “Greek To Me” food truck is changing that perception. Co-owner Matt Baughman, a retired Omaha Police Department officer, and his brother-in-law Chris Antonopoulos, whose family owns two successful Greek To Me restaurants in Iowa and Nebraska, have brought a unique and delicious experience to the local community.
The idea for the food truck was sparked by Baughman’s first encounter with Greek cuisine 25 years ago. “I had my first gyro at 1:30 in the morning outside of a bar in Iowa,” he said. It wasn’t until three years ago that Baughman and Antonopoulos decided to take their passion for Greek food on the road. The Antonopoulos family’s recipes, menu items, and branding now grace the food truck, which began operations in August last year.
The success of “Greek To Me” can be attributed to the commitment of its owners and staff to quality food and exceptional customer service. The women behind the service window, Maggie and Courtney, make it their mission to remember customers’ names and orders. Baughman believes their dedication is crucial, stating, “Our success is in large part a credit to the way our customers are greeted and cared for by these incredible ladies.”
The food truck prides itself on the authenticity and quality of its dishes, sourcing fresh, local ingredients whenever possible. Baughman explains, “All of the recipes come from the Antonopoulos family files, and our vegetables are handpicked and prepped prior to each daily service.” Their commitment to freshness and supporting local businesses helps set “Greek To Me” apart from competitors.
As with any venture, the food truck has faced its share of obstacles. Baughman admits that most of the challenges have been mechanical, but credits the supportive food truck community for helping them overcome these issues. He particularly appreciates Don Morgan from Smoke on Arrival BBQ, who has served as a mentor.
The food truck sets itself apart with its unique approach to the business. Baughman explains their slogan, “Nobody food trucks like we food truck,” reflects their focus on aesthetics, speed, customer service, cleanliness, and food quality. They believe that selling out of food is a product of poor planning, not success. Presentation and customer service make the experience memorable.
The “Greek To Me” menu caters to various tastes and dietary preferences, offering kid-friendly, gluten-free, and vegan options. Baughman shares, “Our menu is limited in comparison to our parent stores, but we made a few changes to accommodate customer requests.”
In addition to serving delicious food, “Greek To Me” is dedicated to engaging with the local community and supporting its well-being. While still a relatively new business, they have participated in charitable events and partnered with local businesses to create mutually beneficial relationships.
Sustainability and eco-friendliness are also important to the “Greek To Me” team. Baughman states, “We have made some changes to limit the amount of styrofoam and plastic we generate.” They have switched to paper cups and lids, ask customers if they want silverware or a plastic bag, and recycle their grease, cardboard, and cans.
Social media has played a significant role in promoting the food truck and creating a buzz in Blair and surrounding areas. Baughman shares, “Social media is how we promote and present our schedules. We have several social media options, but Facebook is probably the most followed and utilized.”
As for the future of “Greek To Me,” Baughman hints at the possibility of a Blair location. “Nothing cooking right now, but a Blair location would be really cool. The Blair community has been incredible so far, and we think it could work here.” The food truck’s success and the warm reception from the local community have undoubtedly paved the way for potential growth and expansion.
In their early days, the “Greek To Me” food truck found support from an unexpected ally: Balls Out Motors, a local business in Blair. Co-owners Jay and Angie generously offered their partnership to the fledgling food truck, giving Matt and Chris their first break in the industry. This collaboration proved to be a mutually beneficial arrangement, enabling the food truck to attract new customers while providing a unique dining option for Balls Out Motors’ clientele. The partnership not only created exposure for both businesses but also forged a strong bond between them, reinforcing the importance of community support and collaboration for small businesses. Matt is especially grateful for this opportunity, stating, “Special thanks to Jay and Angie at Balls Out Motors for the privilege of being our first partner! You gave us our first break!” This experience with Balls Out Motors exemplifies the power of local partnerships and the lasting impact they can have on the growth and development of businesses like “Greek To Me.”
The “Greek To Me” food truck brings a taste of authentic Greek cuisine to the heart of Blair, Nebraska. With its dedication to quality, customer service, and community engagement, it is no wonder the food truck has captured the hearts and taste buds of the local community. As the business continues to grow and evolve, one thing is certain: “Greek To Me” is a true testament to the power of passion and perseverance in the world of food trucks. With the possibility of a brick-and-mortar location on the horizon, the future looks bright for this exceptional food truck and its devoted team.
Special Thanks to Matt Baughman who stayed up late, Kendra Powers who gave us the story idea, and Joyce Hudson who reminded us that May is not the same as March.
