Gyro Wrap: Athens classic reopens its doors
First opened in 1979, Gyro Wrap earned its reputation as a classic and unique place to grab a bite to eat. Sadly amidst the pandemic, the restaurant struggled financially and closed after almost 40 years in business. Under new ownership, Gyro Wrap has reopened its doors, down the road from the original location and ready to serve up wraps and salads once again.
Finding the restaurant itself however, proved to be a challenge in itself. Even when standing inches away, the only identifying factor is a small white logo on the door. Previously known for its colorful walls and signs out front, their blank white building blends into the streets of Downtown Athens.
However upon re-entrance, the classic atmosphere managed to survive the transition in location and ownership. Upon entering, the dimly lit tables are complemented with the chatter of customers on the first or second floor. The quiet pub-like scenery welcomes customers into their door, like the establishment never even left.
Upon inspection of the food itself, the nostalgia quickly wears off. The staples the restaurant is known for, their curly fries and wraps, leave much to be desired.
On paper, the restaurant stayed true, with minimal changes to the menu items themselves, only a few topping changes throughout the menu such as additions of tomatoes and red onions. However, the actual quality of food has definitely changed. Their signature Z sauce lacks in flavor and the wraps feel criminally empty, lacking in meat and toppings when compared to promotional photos and the previous establishment. The fries, known for their crisp shell and flavor, also lack the original quality. Gyro Wrap’s new fries are just not the same, tasting fresh out of the microwave. The meat, while still having the original flavor, comes in shockingly low amounts per wrap. These changes bring pain to long time customers, alongside an increase in pricing, as their specialty Gyro Wrap has changed in price from $6.99 to $8.49.
Trying to live up to the hype of a long- respected establishment is always hard, and Gyro Wrap’s return continues to prove this challenge. While the restaurant’s return back to town offers some pre-pandemic nostalgia, it fails to deliver the same quality and service as in the past. As the restaurant continues to serve customers, hopes are high the new owners can live up to the previous expectations.
