Many Greek-owned businesses and individuals have won in their respective categories at the Inner West Local Business Awards this year.
In the ‘Outstanding Automotive Services’ category, MPSR Group came out on top for providing a user friendly, professional and welcoming automotive repair service and workshop.
The automotive repair shop was first opened in 1980 in Shepherd Street, Marrickville by Greek migrants and brothers, Nick and Elias Karavasilias.
In 2019, Nick’s son and daughter-in-law, John and Sarah Karavasilias, decided to branch out and open MPSR Group, which cemented the continuation of the family legacy.
Since then, the couple have invested in state-of-the-art equipment and management systems, such as Lowbake spraybooths, Car-O-Liner alignment systems and the I-Bodyshop software, to maintain a high quality of repair.
In an interview with The Greek Herald, Sarah says her husband is so “thankful for the support and recognition after a difficult two years.”
“He is very proud and honoured to represent the Greek community in establishing this trailblazing company servicing the community,” she adds.
Elsewhere, The Souvlaki Boys in Marrickville won in the ‘Specialised Retail Business’ category for the third year in a row.
Nick and Arthur Alepidis opened Souvlaki Boys in the heart of Marrickville in 2016 and have gained a loyal following ever since for their lamb backstrap, pork neck, pork belly and chicken souvlakia.
Their success comes with the help of their father, Greg Alepidis, who started his business trade in Canterbury as part owner of Advanced Poultry and sold his shares in 2016.
Arthur tells The Greek Herald that it’s “an honour” to win the award again and thanked customers for their support because “without them it wouldn’t be possible.”
“We’re over the moon and excited to have won, especially for my father and ourselves in the family business,” Arthur says.
“A big thanks to my dad as well because without him this business wouldn’t exist. My brother and I have come in here and learnt the ropes and we’re just trying to maintain the business the way my dad had it and just keep his legacy going.”
Clem’s Chicken Shop in Newtown were also crowned winners in the ‘Fast Food / Takeaway’ category.
Clem’s has been run by the Tsakalides family for 40 years since 1982. The shop was first opened by married couple, Despina and Clem, and is now being run by Despina and her children, Spiro, Panagioti and Barbara.
The shop originally sold barbeque and fried chicken, but it has since expanded into bakes as well such as traditional moussaka, and salads.
Spiro tells The Greek Herald that it “feels very good” to have won in the Local Business Awards.
“It’s validation from the community… so it’s a big deal,” Spiro says.
“We want to thank our customers from the bottom of our hearts for all the support they’ve given us over the 40 years. It isn’t possible without them and the team we have behind us as well.”
To top it all off, Nina Alidenes won ‘Most Outstanding Restaurant’ and ‘Business of the Year’ for her restaurant One Penny Red.
The Inner West Local Business Awards acknowledge the drive and dedication required to succeed in business and recognises the best in local industry across over 25 categories.
*Please note: If you are a Greek-owned business who won in the Awards, please send us an email to info@foreignlanguage.com.au.
