In 1947, Alexandros Alexandris, a livestock farmer and cheesemaker from the village of Aghia Efthymia in Phocis, opened a grocery store in Ilioupoli. His specialty was cheese, especially feta. Deeply knowledgeable, respected in the community and known for his integrity, he built the foundations of a business that would eventually pass to his son, Efthymis, after the latter completed his studies at the Athens School of Economics and Business.

If Alexandros established the store, Efthymis transformed it into a destination for food lovers. Cheese remains at the heart of the business, with an exceptional selection that places particular emphasis on products from small producers across Greece, complemented by a carefully curated range from abroad. Alexandris has a rare talent for discovering great cheese. Part instinct, part experience, it is a skill rooted in a deep understanding of Greek cheesemaking traditions, regional differences and production methods. Constantly searching for new producers, he has spent decades identifying hidden gems before they become widely known.

The refrigerated display is the store’s centerpiece, filled with cheeses of every style and origin. Particularly prized are those aged for at least eight months and made from milk produced during the spring grazing season, when herds feed on the freshest grasses and wild herbs. These cheeses capture the aromas and flavors of the Greek countryside at its most vibrant.

What truly sets Alexandris apart, however, is his ability to guide customers through the selection. He knows how to pair cheeses, suggest unexpected combinations and introduce visitors to products they might never have discovered on their own.

Growing up in the store, he absorbed the values that shaped both the business and his approach to food. Accepting the award, he spoke movingly about his father’s lasting influence: “Respect, passion and honesty. Food is not merely a necessity; it is an experience, an act of care, a form of culture,” he said. His father taught him to respect both producer and consumer, to support honest trade and to pursue exceptional products with unwavering dedication. That combination of knowledge, experience and instinct has also made him a longstanding member of the Gastronomos tasting panels.

Together with his wife, Hara, he has transformed the grocery store into a trusted destination for anyone seeking outstanding Greek products. Rooted in traditional values but guided by a contemporary outlook, the store has become a landmark not only for the residents of Ilioupoli and greater Athens but also for chefs across Greece.

“As we have for the past seventy-eight years, we continue to serve gastronomy,” Alexandris said. “This award does not belong only to us. It belongs to the people who stand by us every day, to those who work with us, and to our customers, who have placed their trust in us throughout all these years. But we do not stop here. We will continue, with the same honesty, persistence and enthusiasm, to offer flavorful, high-quality products every day, because we believe they bring warmth to every table that welcomes them.”

For their dedication, integrity and commitment to quality, Efthymis and Hara Alexandris were honoured at this year’s Gastronomos Quality Awards. Through their work, they continue to connect consumers with producers, exceptional products with everyday tables, and taste with memory.