Grub + Pub
Acropolis OPA announces expansion plans; Buffalo location ‘up in the air’
blog by Ben Tsujimoto • October 18, 2012 @ 7:54am
Acropolis OPA owner Paul Tsouflidis is trying to implement a “concept” of Greek culture in Western New York, and the City of Buffalo has restricted him from satisfying his vision.
Tsouflidis announced Wednesday that Acropolis would open a second location in the Western New York suburbs in spring 2013. After the drama that surrounded the owner’s second-floor expansion on Elmwood Avenue, Tsouflidis says the future of the current city location is “up in the air.”
“The [present] music restrictions are killing business at night,” Tsouflidis explained from his restaurant on Wednesday. “I want to have live Greek bands, belly dancers, a bar upstairs—these are crucial to showcasing Greek culture.”
While Tsouflidis hasn’t pinpointed one suburb, he mentioned Amherst, Hamburg and Orchard Park as dense residential areas where he believes his concept could flourish.
Asked to expand on this “concept” of bringing authentic Greek culture to Western New York, Tsouflidis didn’t hesitate: “Music is very important, crucial to how the culture is expressed. When you go to a traditional Greek restaurant, you’re immediately hit with a band on Friday and Saturday night, as well as flaming cheese (saganaki, below) and a belly dancer.”
Tsouflidis’ dream is to closely emulate Taverna OPA, a Greek restaurant with several locations in Florida. Judging by Taverna’s website, the atmosphere is stressed alongside quality food, as the (mildly corny) tagline of “Life is a Celebration!” suggests.
In his second restaurant, the owner explains that the menu would be identical to Acropolis’ current offerings, but a greater emphasis would be placed on takeout. Expect further announcements to come soon—follow Acropolis’ Twitter account (@acropolisOPA) and Facebook page for updates.
Tsouflidis lent a couple other interesting tidbits in our chat:
—The Acropolis owner was excited about Panera replacing the Blockbuster on Elmwood near SPoT Coffee, referring to the addition as a “godsend” in that it affirms the Elmwood Village as an attractive commercial district and that the local businesses nearby will thrive instead of struggle. For evidence, Tsouflidis explained how the emergence of Blue Monk—only yards away from his restaurant—lured more customers to his business. Since Panera is expected to draw more suburbanites too, expanding Elmwood’s customer base.
— Tsouflidis pointed to a few changes in ingredients, particularly replacing olive oil with soybean oil while also sourcing as much locally as possible. Tarantino Food and Hilltop Hanover Farms are two big suppliers for Acropolis’ produce and meat.
Leave a Comment
Comments
Galleries
Juneteenth 2013 - PHOTOS
Posted on: June 16, 2013 @ 10:03am
Flying Bison Beer Monster Bash - PHOTOS
Posted on: June 16, 2013 @ 9:14am
The Heritage After Party at Bottoms Up - PHOTOS
Posted on: June 15, 2013 @ 10:18am
Alice Cooper and Marilyn Manson: Masters of Madness Tour - PHOTOS
Posted on: June 15, 2013 @ 10:04am
Curse reversed: FC Buffalo sinks Erie Admirals - PHOTOS
Posted on: June 15, 2013 @ 9:59am
Recent Comments
Everyone is entitled to their opinion but let’s talk about that bogus red card that was NOT earned (ask the goalie...
By Alyssa Bonham about Buffalo.com's NPSL Great Lakes Division 'Midseason Best XI'.
No one from Zanesville should make the squad let alone a defender with an awful touch and that helps a defense that...
By Brian Knapp about Buffalo.com's NPSL Great Lakes Division 'Midseason Best XI'.
The fact that you have not one, but TWO first XI players named from Zayne’s Vile team does nothing more than lessen the...
By WAMPUS about Buffalo.com's NPSL Great Lakes Division 'Midseason Best XI'.
wow awesome.
Erwin Pratama
By Saya Erwin about Welcome to Buff Town USA: Sean Price to perform at Duke's.
Awesome. “That’s me in the corner” lol What a night.
Manson was flawless, but “Uncle Alice” was amazing as always. ...
By Bonita Costello about Alice Cooper and Marilyn Manson: Masters of Madness Tour - PHOTOS.
Buffalo.com Newsletter

There aren't any comments posted yet - be the first to share your thoughts!