Stalactites (restaurant) explained

Established:1978
Website:http://www.stalactites.com.au/
City:Melbourne
Previous-Owner:Konstantinos Tsoutouras
Current-Owner:Konstantinos Tsoutouras's descendants

Stalactites is a Greek-Australian restaurant in Melbourne, Australia.[1] [2] [3]

It is located on Lonsdale street in the Melbourne's CBD's Greek quarter.[4] [5]

The restaurant was founded in 1978 by Konstantinos Tsoutouras, also known as Barba Kostas. He had previously opened other chain restaurants and fish and chips stores, before opening Stalactites. It initially opened as a 24-hour restaurant, and became a part of Melbourne's nightlife. Today, it is owned and operated by the descendants of its founder.[6]

It has been described as 'an institution in Melbourne's culinary scene' and is known for being frequented by celebrities including Greek tennis players.,

Stalactites was heavily affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.[7]

Hella Good

In 2017, the owners of Stalactites created a fast-food souvlaki take-away chain named 'Hella Good', neighbouring the restaurant. In 2020 this brand absorbed another souvlaki brand, Jimmy Grants, which had put into liquidation after financial troubles experienced by its founder George Calombaris.[8] [9] [10]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Psomiadis . Giorgos . 2023-04-27 . 'A home away from home': Family story behind Melbourne's iconic Stalactites restaurant . 2023-07-22 . Greek Herald . en-AU.
  2. Web site: 2021-06-23 . Vale Barba Kostas, the founder of the iconic Stalactites restaurant passes away . 2023-07-22 . NEOS KOSMOS . en.
  3. Web site: 2019-07-02 . Family-owned Greek restaurant Stalactites awarded Lord Mayor's Commendation . 2023-07-22 . NEOS KOSMOS . en.
  4. Web site: Lonsdale Street - Greek Precinct . 2023-07-22 . The Greek Quarter . en-AU.
  5. Web site: 2023-12-02 . Greek Precinct - What's On Melbourne . 2023-07-22 . whatson.melbourne.vic.gov.au . en.
  6. Web site: 2021-06-23 . Vale Barba Kostas, the founder of the iconic Stalactites restaurant passes away . 2023-07-22 . NEOS KOSMOS . en.
  7. Web site: How the pandemic has changed the multicultural CBDs of Sydney and Melbourne . 2023-07-22 . SBS News . en.
  8. Web site: Cloros . Annabelle . 2020-03-09 . 2 Jimmy Grants replaced with Hella Good . 2023-07-22 . hospitality Magazine . en-AU.
  9. Web site: Cody . Tom Cowie, Gemima . 2020-02-20 . Jimmy Grants shops sold as bank gets cents on the dollar in Calombaris fire sale . 2023-07-22 . The Age . en.
  10. News: Whalley . Jeff . 5 March 2020 . Stalactites’ message to Jimmy Grants staff: We want you . Herald Sun .