Since its inception in 1998, Taziki’s Mediterranean Cafe has been offering authentic Greek dishes whose popularity has grown the fast-casual concept into one of the most popular eateries in Alabama. Keith and Amy Richards founded the business after first being inspired by their travels to Greece in the late ‘90s. Now 27 years later, the Richardses have opened their 106th location in Knox Square in Hoover—their most uniquely designed location yet. Here, Keith describes his love for their family-owned business.
What is your background in the hospitality industry?
I’ve been in the hospitality business since I was around 18 years old. I’ve always loved getting to know my guests and started my culinary adventure at Kmart’s cafeteria. That tells you how old I am. I decided after a few years of college that my calling was in the hospitality field. I went to work at Bottega in 1998 and sharpened my skills with Frank Stitt. While I didn’t work in the kitchen, I learned to understand the passion for food and the sources of where it originated. As we go through life, we sometimes forget the trickle-down effect it has on all our farmers, producers and their families. My goal has constantly been to continue to grow our brand and keep that culture in tack. That’s when I knew this was my calling.
How did you end up founding Tazikis’ Mediterranean Cafe?
I met my beautiful wife Amy during my time at Bottega. We married in 1992. She was working for U.S. Airways, and we had the ability to travel for a very cheap fare. We decided in 1997, before we were going to have children, that we were going to visit Greece. We backpacked for three weeks, diving into the culture, food, the whole European adventure. Upon our return, I let her know that I wanted to open my own Greek cafe. The catch — we didn’t have the money. We decided to put everything on the line, including our house. We decided to make this dream come true. Failure was not an option, and we did it! Taziki’s was born.
What led you to open a location in Knox Square?
We have our 13 locations in the surrounding area, and I felt we were missing a location closer to the heart of Hoover. After consideration, I felt the area near Knox Square was ready for Taziki’s. Having to get to choose the location in the center, working with Allen Hawkins, made it really easy.
How did you develop the menu?
I created the original menu in one night. To this day, the menu has 75 percent of our original items. What I love to see is our growing sales, all built around our first menu. Our growth has come with legacy and new employees who believe in what we started and continue to believe in our culture. My travels continue to give me inspiration to add new menu creations and influences the look and feel for our cafes. Kypelos (or Greek bowl) has become my new favorite, topped with our Turkish meatballs. This is an example of my quick travel to Turkey. This is something only on our Knox Square menu, but soon, it will be in all Birmingham locations.
What are the best menu items to try?
While discussing our menu with new guests, I always recommend the Greek salad with grilled chicken kebobs. It seems to be a crowd-pleaser. Those who want to be more adventurous should try the Mediterranean salad with grilled salmon. You can’t go wrong with either. Our gyro with grilled lamb has always been a favorite since we opened 27 years ago. Our gyros are served with a healthy side and chips. I believe even the pickiest diners can find something they will enjoy.
Taziki’s Mediterranean Cafe is located at 5880 Elsie Road in the Knox Square entertainment district of Hoover. It is open Monday-Saturday from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. and on Sunday from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. For more information or to place a to-go or catering order, click here, or call 205-255-5858.
