University of West Attica Rector, Professor Panagiotis E. Kaldis, presents the honorary distinction to Peter Parthenis. Credit: E Syranidis/Greek Reporter
In a ceremony at the Acropolis Museum, the University of West Attica (UNIWA) conferred an Honorary Doctorate upon Peter Parthenis, the visionary founder of Grecian Delight | Kronos. The award recognizes his 50-year journey as a titan of the Mediterranean food industry and his tireless promotion of Hellenic culture in the United States.
The event was attended by high-ranking officials, including US Ambassador Kimberly Guilfoyle and Deputy Minister of Education Konstantinos Vlasis, who gathered to celebrate a man who turned a Greek street food staple into an American culinary phenomenon.
Peter Parthenis: The man who “automated” the gyro
Parthenis’ guiding principle, he told the audience, has always been “working with a smile.” Credit: E Syranidis/Greek Reporter
The ceremony highlighted Parthenis’ legendary status as a pioneer of the “Greek food movement” in America. Arriving in the US from Vonitsa in the 1960s with little more than a dream, Parthenis revolutionized the industry in 1974 by inventing and patenting the first automated gyro machine.
This innovation allowed Greek restaurants across North America to serve consistent, high-quality gyros, effectively launching a multi-billion-dollar industry. As UNIWA Rector Professor Panagiotis E. Kaldis noted, Parthenis is the quintessential “self-made” success story—a man who combined engineering ingenuity with a passion for his heritage.
More than 50 Years of “Grecian Delight”
The award follows the 50th anniversary of his company, Grecian Delight, which recently merged with Kronos Foods to become a global leader in Mediterranean cuisine. Associate Dean Professor Alina Hyz praised Parthenis as a “model of perseverance,” noting that his business path was built on hard work and the Mediterranean values of quality and hospitality.
Professor Aikaterini Kikilia, Chair of Tourism Management, emphasized that Parthenis’ work did more for Greek tourism than traditional advertising ever could. By bringing the flavors of Greece to every corner of America—from local diners to major stadiums—he established a “gastronomic bridge” that inspired millions to visit Greece.
A legacy of “working with a smile”
Ambassador Kimberly Guilfoyle attended the ceremony for Peter Parthenis. Credit: E Syranidis/Greek Reporter
A visibly moved Parthenis accepted the doctorate not as a personal trophy but as a tribute to his family and the Greek diaspora. He recalled the early days of economic hardship in rural Greece and the daunting leap of faith he took by migrating to the United States.
He highlighted that his greatest satisfaction comes from the “human element” of his success. Throughout his 50-year career, he has prioritized his employees’ welfare, providing access to healthcare and education. His guiding principle, he told the audience, has always been “working with a smile.”
Credit: E Syranidis/Greek Reporter
The ceremony concluded with an additional honor: a commemorative plaque from the Department of Food Science and Technology, recognizing Parthenis’ role in setting the global standard for Mediterranean food safety and innovation.
Related: Greek Food Giant Grecian Delight/Kronos Celebrates 50 Years in the US
Dining and Cooking