Greek Souvlaki

CLIENT

Frank, Chris and Leo Paulos

SERVICES

Interior Design

TYPOLOGY

Hospitality, Branded Space

LOCATION | STATUS

Mount Lehi, Utah | Completed 2016

utah icon

Lee and Mary Paulos launched the Greek souvlaki franchise in 1972, inspired by the bustling streets of Piraeus, Greece, where Lee’s brothers, Tasos and Petropoulos, ran a popular restaurant known for its gyros. Watching tourists flock to enjoy this flavorful dish, Lee had an idea: bring this beloved taste of Greece back to Utah. Rumor has it, theirs was the first spot in Utah to serve gyros, and the original location quickly became an iconic destination for authentic Greek food in the state.

Over the years, the Paulos family’s Greek Souvlaki has become a Utah institution, known as the place to go for a true taste of Greece. When WOW atelier was commissioned to design the second Greek Souvlaki store, they took the opportunity to honor this rich legacy, creating a space that reflects the history, culture, and flavor that the Paulos family has shared with Utah for generations.

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images are worth 1000 words

The design aimed to honor Greek culture subtly and authentically, steering clear of clichés. To achieve this, WOW atelier custom-fabricated tables, each one celebrating elements of classical Greek architecture, adding a layer of heritage and craftsmanship to the space. Every piece of graphic content was created in-house, while the tables were designed, built, and installed to fit perfectly within the environment.

A striking super graphic of an abstract Greek flag anchors the space, echoing a love of Greece in a bold, modern way. Sea-salted wood tones were meticulously hand-stained to evoke the natural beauty of Greece’s coastal landscapes. Together, these details form a refined homage to Greek culture, bringing together artistry, history, and a touch of the Mediterranean in a way that feels both fresh and timeless.

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Greek, but not cheesy Greek!

The idea started with the ocean,” the client explained. “We thought about the elements you encounter daily—driftwood, sand, and the blend of ocean and sky.” This vision became the palette for the space, with each piece of wood hand-stained to capture the colors you’d find on any Greek coastline. The result is an environment that feels like a natural extension of the beach, bringing the essence of Greece’s shores right into the heart of the design.

studio team

WOW atelier

Gregory Walker, Chimso Onwuegbu, Jarod Hall

collaborators

Creative Service Bureau: Mark Hofeling, Linda Johnson

utah icon

project

approach

images are worth 1000 words

interior

Greek, but not cheesy Greek!

studio team

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