From a dreamer of a dad: Mezes

Mezes began in 1990 at 404 Danforth, started by a man who had no business opening a restaurant — no formal training, no business plan — just a huge heart and an even bigger dream. Vasha Zindros’ father opened the restaurant as a love letter to his mother and his wife’s family, believing that if he could dream it, he could do it.When he passed suddenly and tragically, Vasha’s mother was left widowed at 37, holding a restaurant she never wanted and all of their savings. She didn’t have many choices, but she made it work. And she did it by leading with love.Vasha grew up on the Danforth, inside that restaurant. Homework during service. Sneaking cherry tomatoes in the back. Learning how to lead from her mother, who showed her that no business book could teach you how to care for people the way love does. If Vasha behaved well, her dad would reward her with a Styrofoam cup of tzatziki from Astoria and a spoon — a treat she’d eat sitting in Withrow Park, the highlight of her week.In January 2020, Vasha took over Mezes and by March, the world shut down. As devastating as the pandemic was, it became the moment that clarified everything for her. She had no reason to believe she could do it, but she knew she could. She signed a lease on a corner her father once pointed to on one of those tzatziki walks, crossed her fingers, and hoped for the best.Today, Mezes is a cornerstone of Greektown — not because it tries to be the destination, but because it insists the Danforth should be. With no reservations, long-standing staff who manage each other, and a culture rooted in open arms, warmth, and trust, Mezes is a place people count on. Families take Christmas photos there. Staff have been there for decades. Customers feel the care no matter who serves them or when they walk in.This episode is about grief, resilience, trust, and what it means to honour a dream that never belonged to one person — but to a family, a team, and a neighbourhood that showed up when it mattered most.Follow the podcast on Instagram and TikTokFollow Sam Jen on Instagram