Parea means friends who gather to share experiences about life, philosophies, values, and ideas.
Crete, Greece
The Beginning
1956
Our family story in America began with a transatlantic journey aboard the Olympia, as a young couple and their nine children left their homeland behind in search of opportunity and a new beginning. Arriving at Ellis Island in the early 20th century, they made their way to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where they settled into a home on Arlington Avenue near the city’s South Side.
In the years that followed, the family integrated into the working-class fabric of Pittsburgh. Many of the men began their careers as painters, saving what they could and slowly reinvesting their earnings into small businesses that would support future generations. One such venture was Grecianland Pastries, a bakery opened by our patriarch, Steven Haniotakis, on Carson Street, known for its traditional Greek treats and neighborhood charm. Directly across the street, his brother George opened a gyro shop, aptly named Mike & Tony’s after his two sons. The two establishments became local fixtures, reflecting both entrepreneurial spirit and cultural heritage.
These businesses not only supported the family economically but also served as social and cultural anchors within the community. They stood as testaments to the resilience and resourcefulness of immigrant families, preserving old-world traditions while carving out a place in the American landscape.
Pittsburgh, PA
A Yinzer is Born
1994
Sophia Yianni Kamouyerou, the founder of Parea, was born on October 3, 1994, at Mercy Hospital in downtown Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The daughter of Yianni Kamouyerou, a Cypriot immigrant and contractor, and Kathleen Kamouyerou, a lifelong resident of Peters Township, Sophia was raised in the home her father built by hand at 822 Bebout Road.
Her early years were rooted in the traditions of a close-knit family and shaped by a strong work ethic. Her mother, Kathleen, once operated a local restaurant called Katerina’s Kitchen, reflecting the family’s early ties to the culinary world. Tragedy struck in 2004, when Sophia’s father died in an automobile accident—an event that would have a profound impact on her life.
In the years that followed, her mother remarried, and the family reentered the restaurant industry with renewed focus and determination. This new chapter marked the beginning of a lasting family legacy in food and hospitality—one that would continue to influence Sophia's path for years to come.
Peters Township, PA
My Big Fat Greek Gyro
2004
In 2003, following her remarriage to Michael Ference, Kathleen Kamouyerou Ference embarked on a new chapter—both personally and professionally. Drawing on their shared passion for food and hospitality, the couple developed a fresh restaurant concept rooted in traditional Greek family recipes: My Big Fat Greek Gyro.
Designed to serve generous portions of authentic Mediterranean fare in a fast-casual setting, the restaurant quickly gained popularity among locals. The concept struck a unique balance between homestyle cooking and modern convenience, appealing to busy township residents looking for a quick, satisfying, and culturally rich meal.
The restaurant’s success soon sparked interest beyond its original location. Community members began approaching the Ferences with hopes of opening their own locations—often with the dream of creating family-run businesses for their children as an alternative to the traditional college path. Though initially hesitant, the couple agreed to franchise the concept.
Over the next few years, My Big Fat Greek Gyro expanded to five franchise locations across the Pittsburgh area, including Wexford, White Oak, Mt. Lebanon, Cranberry, and Market Square in downtown Pittsburgh. Each location carried forward the core vision: fast, fresh, and flavorful Greek cuisine, served with a sense of family and tradition.
Pittsburgh, PA
The Profit
2014
Once the franchises launched, Michael and Kathleen had trouble keeping up with the workload of being franchisors and full-time restaurant operators. They had seen the show “The Profit” on CNBC and decided to apply. The show was hosted by billionaire venture capitalist Marcus Lemonis, with the promise of helping small businesses scale, but the reality was a different outcome than expected. Marcus Lemonis re-branded the concept under his own LLC and did away with the Pittsburgh hunky food concept. He opted for more of a Hollywood, healthy feel, which did not totally align with our original vision, but we decided to give it a whirl. All but one franchisee transitioned to the new concept under the name “The Simple Greek.” Marcus Lemonis, with the company under a new LLC, ended up freezing Michael and Kathleen out out of the business account and continued to profit on the existing franchisees, and new franchisees. Not long after he expanded the franchise, he sold the entire company for a profit. The lawsuit filed by Michael and Kathleen is still pending. Luckily, the original Peters Township store was left out of the agreement, and although Michael and Kathleen had lost much of their livelihood, there was still hope.
Peters Township, PA
Yassou Parea!
2018
When the curtain fell on the family’s TV show drama, it seemed to take with it the spark that once lit their passion for the restaurant business. Michael and Kathleen had already moved on to new ventures, and their two sons—who had been running the restaurant—soon decided it was time for them to do the same. The family began preparing to sell the business to a perfect stranger, ready to close a long and meaningful chapter of their story.
But just as the final page was about to turn, the youngest daughter stepped forward. With determination in her heart and a deep love for her family’s legacy, Sophia decided she was ready to take the reins and write the next chapter herself.
Her first mission was clear: return the restaurant to its roots. Back to the days of My Big Fat Greek Gyro, when plates overflowed with big, family-style portions and the flavors of Pittsburgh comfort met Greek tradition. Sophia reimagined the restaurant with a new name—Parea, a Greek word meaning friends who gather. The name reflected her vision perfectly: food as a way to bring people together.
The inspiration came from her childhood memories of church Sundays, when the congregation would gather after service for what they lovingly called “Parea”—a time of laughter, connection, and shared food. That same spirit became the heartbeat of the new restaurant.
Just as Parea was finding its rhythm, the world changed. A global pandemic swept through, closing doors and testing the resilience of small businesses everywhere. But by the grace of God—and thanks to its mostly take-out model—Parea endured. The community’s support, paired with the family’s faith and perseverance, carried them through those uncertain times.
Now, in 2025, a new transformation is underway. Parea is embracing its strengths and officially becoming a take-out only restaurant. Guests are encouraged to call ahead so their meals can be ready upon arrival. The former dine-in area is being reborn as a catering space, with an exciting new menu launching soon.
And the story doesn’t end there—Parea will soon introduce a retail section, offering Greek imports and charming novelties for customers to enjoy at home.
From a family legacy nearly lost to a thriving modern eatery grounded in tradition, Parea stands today as a testament to resilience, faith, and the power of gathering—even when it looks a little different than before.