The Yiros Revolution: How Nicholas Mitrossilis Transformed Brisbane’s Food Scene

In this episode of Bean There Done That, host Phillip Di Bella sits down with Nicholas Mitrossilis, the founder and managing director of The Yiros Shop, a beloved fast-food chain in Brisbane. Nick shares his entrepreneurial journey, from his early days growing up in a family-owned fish and chip shop to building a thriving business with over 16 stores. They discuss the lessons learned from working in hospitality and construction, the challenges of rapid expansion, and the importance of knowing your numbers in business. Nick's story is a powerful reminder that success is not an overnight journey. He opens up about the inspiration behind The Yiros Shop, its rapid growth, and the plans to expand to 150 stores across Australia, with a focus on drive-thru service. Nick also highlights the significance of creating pathways for his team members, with many progressing from entry-level roles to store owners. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or simply curious about what it takes to build a fast-food empire, this episode is packed with valuable insights on growth, resilience, and the power of food to connect people. Key Topics and Themes: Nicholas' upbringing in hospitality and its influence on his career Founding The Yiros Shop in Brisbane and expanding to over 16 stores The difference between a Yiros and a kebab Learning the importance of systems and knowing your numbers Overcoming challenges like COVID-19 and the chip shortage Plans for The Yiros Shop's expansion, with a focus on drive-thru models The value of investing in people and creating career pathways within the business About Our Guest: Nicholas Mitrossilis is the founder and managing director of The Yiros Shop, a fast-food chain specialising in Greek cuisine with over 16 locations in Brisbane. Under his leadership, The Yiros Shop has rapidly grown from a single store to a multi-store business, with plans to expand to 150 locations across Australia. In 2022, Nicholas was honoured with the Young Entrepreneur Hospitality and Tourism Award, recognising his contributions to the food industry. Passionate about quality ingredients and excellent service, Nicholas is committed to creating career opportunities for his employees while bringing a taste of Greece to Australia. Key Takeaways: Know your numbers: Nicholas stresses the importance of understanding your profit margins, especially in a competitive industry like fast food. Invest in people: Building a strong team is crucial to long-term success. Nicholas has focused on creating pathways for his employees to grow within the company. Adaptability is key: From dealing with a chip shortage to navigating COVID-19, Nicholas highlights the importance of adapting to changing circumstances. Drive-thru expansion: With a focus on convenience, The Yiros Shop is set to grow with more drive-thru locations, offering customers a quicker, more efficient experience. Links and Resources: The Yiros Shop Nicholas Mitrossilis on LinkedIn The Coffee Commune Time-Stamped Key Points: [00:01:00] – Introduction to Nicholas Mitrossilis and The Yiros Shop [00:03:00] – Growing up in a family-owned fish and chip shop [00:04:00] – Opening the first Yiros Shop in Brisbane, 2015 [00:09:00] – What makes a Yiros different from a kebab [00:10:20] – The importance of knowing your numbers in business [00:14:00] – Expanding to five stores and learning to maintain consistency [00:15:40] – Surviving COVID-19 by adapting the business model [00:19:00] – Nick’s vision for 150 Yiros Shop locations and the focus on drive-thru service [00:24:00] – How the chip shortage led to introducing new menu items [00:27:00] – Learning from industry giants like McDonald’s [00:29:00] – Nick’s advice to aspiring entrepreneurs Don’t miss out on this inspiring episode where Nicholas Mitrossilis reveals the secrets behind his success and the rapid growth of The Yiros Shop. Listen now on your favourite podcast platform, and visit The Yiros Shop for a taste of authentic Greek street food. Produced by The Podcast Boss.