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As its name says, Kefi Fast Fresh Mediterranean is known for its quick, fresh Mediterranean cuisine. The family-owned restaurant in Bend is marking a major milestone this month — its five-year anniversary — and will celebrate with a weekend of deals, including bowls and wraps for just $11 (the same price as when it first opened) along with additional food specials.
Husband-and-wife team Menoula and George Stanitsas, along with their son Nickolas, opened Kefi in March 2020 — just two weeks before the COVID-19 pandemic upended the restaurant industry. What was supposed to be an exciting new venture for the family quickly turned into a fight for survival as many restaurants faced closures and uncertainty. Now, from Friday, Feb. 21, through Monday, Feb. 24, the family is rolling back prices to thank the Bend community for its unwavering support.
“We are incredibly grateful and proud to have made it to our five-year anniversary — it’s been an unbelievable journey,” Menoula says.
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Through a pandemic, construction delays and harsh weather, the Stanitsas family remained determined to keep Kefi open. Their biggest motivation is their son Nickolas, who co-owns and manages the restaurant. Nickolas originally created the concept of the restaurant and came up with the menu.
“This is his business, his life — this is what he wanted and created. Kefi was his livelihood, so we had to make it viable,” Menoula explains. During difficult times, the Bend community showed up, ordering meals and helping sustain the business when it needed it most. “It is the core Bend community that kept us going,” Menoula adds. “We are so very grateful and appreciative for them.”
“We want to thank our customers and give the deepest gratitude to the community who has supported us,” Nickolas says.
At Kefi, customers build their meals by choosing a base — pita wrap, a gluten-free wrap or a bowl — then add proteins, sauces and toppings. The menu highlights fresh, locally sourced ingredients and offers a variety of gluten-free options, bringing the simplicity and beauty of Greek cuisine to Central Oregon.
https://www.bendsource.com/best-of/2020/food/best-new-restaurant-13278574
Over the past five years, Kefi has earned multiple accolades, including Best New Restaurant in 2020 and Best Mediterranean three years in a row (2022, 2023 and 2024) in the Source Weekly’s Best of Central Oregon readers’ poll.
“We survived these past five years and now we’re looking towards the next five — to thrive,” Menoula says.
Kefi Fast Fresh Mediterranean’s 5th Anniversary
Fri., Feb. 21-Mon., Feb. 24, 11am-8pm
Kefi Fast Fresh Mediterranean
20520 Robal Ln, Ste. 120, Bend
kefifresh.com