TURLOCK — Nick the Greek, the rapidly expanding Greek street‑food chain founded by three cousins who all share the same name, is preparing to open a new restaurant in Turlock as the brand continues its push into the Central Valley.
The restaurant is planned for 2870 W. Monte Vista Ave., placing it in one of Turlock’s busiest commercial corridors near Monte Vista Crossings and the California State University, Stanislaus campus. The company has not announced an opening date, but hiring is underway, with applications available online.
The Turlock location comes as the chain accelerates its footprint in Stanislaus County. Nick the Greek opened a restaurant in Ceres in December 2024, drawing long lines during a free‑food promotion on opening day. That store, located at 4213 Mitchell Road in the Ceres Gateway Center, is the first Nick the Greek in California to feature a drive‑through lane — a feature the founders say is difficult to secure in the Bay Area, where most of their restaurants are located.
The Ceres opening had been delayed nearly a month due to a PG&E gas‑service issue, but once the doors opened, turnout was steady throughout the day. Corporate manager Edgar Ruiz said customers lined up for pitas, bowls and plates from morning to night. The restaurant employs about 15 workers.
Big Nick Tsigaris — one of the three founders known informally as Big Nick, Baby Nick and Little Nick — attended the Ceres opening and said the Central Valley has become a key growth area for the brand. “Most of our stores are in the San Jose and Bay Area and it’s tough to find real estate for drive‑thrus around here, so this was a good opportunity,” he said at the time.
Nick the Greek has been expanding aggressively, with Big Nick attending about 30 openings in 2024 alone. New restaurants are planned near the Pelandale Avenue Costco in Modesto, in Turlock, and in additional cities including Manteca and Stockton. The company already operates locations in Ceres and Riverbank.
The chain was founded in 2012 after the cousins returned from a trip to their family’s village in Greece and wondered why California lacked accessible, high‑quality gyros and souvlaki. The first restaurant opened in 2014, offering rotisserie meats, charbroiled skewers, Greek fries, bowls, salads and desserts such as baklava and frozen yogurt. The brand markets itself as authentic Greek street food served in a fast‑casual format with menu options that include gyros, souvlaki plates, rice bowls, falafel and loukoumades.
The Turlock restaurant is expected to draw strong interest, given its placement in a high‑traffic retail zone that has attracted national chains and steady student business. Monte Vista Avenue has become a landing spot for new eateries and retailers in recent years, with the corridor’s proximity to Highway 99 and CSU Stanislaus making it a prime location for fast‑casual concepts.
Job seekers can apply for positions at the Turlock restaurant through the company’s website at nickthegreek.com/join-the-team.
Jeff Benziger contributed to this story.
