S1, E90: Manoli's/ Parea - Manoli Katsanevas

Small Lake City

Greek food isn't simply a cuisine in Salt Lake City—it's a cultural foundation that has shaped our dining landscape for generations. This week, we sit down with Manoli Katsanevas, the culinary force behind Manoli's and Parea, to explore how his family legacy evolved from Crown Burger to James Beard-nominated fine dining.
Born into the family that founded Salt Lake's beloved Crown Burger chain, Manoli shares how scrubbing floors and working the line as a teenager sparked his passion for restaurants. The conversation takes us through his culinary education, the launch of a catering business with his wife Katrina, and the eventual opening of Manoli's on 9th South—a restaurant that would elevate Greek cuisine while honoring traditional flavors and techniques.
What truly resonates throughout our discussion is how deeply intertwined food and community are in Greek culture. "Everything in Greek culture is around food, food and gathering together," Manoli explains. This philosophy guided his pandemic pivot when Manoli's temporarily closed, leading to take-and-bake meal kits that eventually inspired their newest venture, Parea—a fast-casual concept serving authentic Greek street food just half a block from their flagship restaurant.
We also explore Salt Lake's surprisingly robust Greek community, which traces back to early mining operations in Carbon County and has maintained strong traditions through generations. The Greek Festival (mark your calendars for September 5-7) stands as the largest Greek festival west of the Mississippi and showcases the community's enduring cultural pride.
Whether you're already a fan of Manoli's lamb riblets and charred octopus or you've yet to discover authentic Greek cuisine beyond gyros, this episode offers a fascinating glimpse into how one family's culinary traditions have become woven into Salt Lake City's identity. Listen now to understand why quality ingredients and authentic preparation remain non-negotiable, regardless of whether you're enjoying fine dining or street food—and why a Greek wedding with dollar bills flying and ouzo flowing is an experience you shouldn't miss.

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Chapters

1. Introduction to Manoli Katsanevas (00:00:00)

2. Growing Up in the Restaurant Industry (00:07:19)

3. Greek Food Culture & Family Cooking (00:10:34)

4. From Catering to Opening Manoli's (00:20:07)

5. Pandemic Pivot & Birth of Parea (00:27:48)

6. Salt Lake's Greek Community (00:35:36)

7. The Greek Festival & Future Plans (00:42:22)