Greece Olympia grad opens Opa! Authentic Greek Koozina on Jefferson Road
As a child, Pano Rizos was treated to a full-course Greek meal every day when he came home from school.
“My parents were born and raised in Greece. They didn’t come to this country until shortly before I was born. So I grew up with the tastes and smells of authentic Greek food.”
Now, Rizos is bringing those authentic flavors to Henrietta with the opening of his restaurant, Opa! Authentic Greek Koozina, located at 1175 Jefferson Road. The restaurant opens Monday, Oct. 15.
Rizos, a 2004 graduate of – where else? – Greece Olympia High School, says Opa! Is a family affair.
His brother Christos is a manager and the head chef is none other than his father, Yianni.
“My parents have been in the restaurant business for years,” said Rizos. “They ran a well-known restaurant called Mykonos, for many years so they know every aspect of the business.”
