Manny’s Opens Fourth Location

Manny’s in West Ashley’s Northbridge Plaza has been serving Greek and American food at family-friendly prices for 20 years. This is no easy feat in a rapidly growing, nationally-recognized restaurant town like Charleston. Owner Michael Stavrinakis says his recipe for success is hard work and offering a quality product at a value.
Manny’s is about to open its fourth location in Charlotte. Stavrinakis says they couldn’t be more excited to launch in such a large market, and what growth opportunities will result from that exposure. Since 2008, Manny’s has opened new stores in North Charleston, Downtown, and Statesboro, Ga. He runs all three Charleston area locations; they attract regulars and new customers for lunch and dinner on a weekly basis.
Conventional wisdom might tell you that patrons can’t eat healthy in a sports bar, but Manny’s defies convention. Greek dishes abound with tasty and healthy ingredients like roasted lamb, rotisserie chicken, goat cheese (feta), Greek yogurt, lemon, Kalamata olives, tomatoes, pepperoncini, spinach, fresh herbs, garlic, and olive oil. Manny’s also serves fresh seafood, and American bar fare like wings, burgers, and pizza. More recent additions include Greek-style beignets (loukoumades), Romano-stuffed meatballs, and Greek caviar. With more than 100 menu items, there is something for every palate.
Manny’s is also bustling with live music, karaoke, trivia, sports television, and special events any day of the week. It’s Wednesday wine tastings don’t require a sommelier’s background; following the tasting, the patron’s favorite bottle is available for purchase at-cost. Anytime a patron can’t make it to Manny’s, a phone call or an order made via their mobile app let’s Manny’s menu come to them.
Manny’s namesake is Stavrinakis’ father. Manny owned Downtown’s “The Coffee Cup” in the 1960s and ’70s, where Jestine’s Kitchen stands today. All the kids —Michael, his brother Leon (current State House Representative — District 119), and their sisters grew up working in the family business. Fast forward to 1993, Stavrinakis opened Manny’s with his father.
Stavrinakis is a big believer in giving back to the community he calls home. Manny’s helps sponsor the Greek Festival, held Downtown in May at the Greek Orthodox church on Race Street. The Greek Festival features food, dancing, pysanky eggs, and crafts for sale, and an opportunity to tour Holy Trinity, one of the oldest Greek Orthodox churches in the United States.
“It happens Mother’s Day weekend, and it’s Greek bliss,” says Stavrinakis. The festival’s proceeds go to Holy Trinity Church and its charitable efforts. In recent years, the church has been aiding Haiti’s schoolchildren in the wake of 2010’s devastating earthquake. Manny’s also supports St. Andrews Parks & Playground’s and Orange Grove Elementary. Stavrinakis serves as a board member of the Charleston County Aviation Board and the West Ashley Business Task Force.
As you might imagine, between family, community, and running three restaurants and MES Travel Agency, Stavrinakis’ schedule is packed solid. He wouldn’t change a thing, though. Stavrinakis and his son go out on the water and fish every chance they get “People move here from all over the world, and I’ve lived here my whole life. Charleston has warm, friendly people, it’s a beautiful city, with lovely weather. ‘Goodness gracious, how did I get so lucky?,” says Stavrinakis. 
To learn more about Manny’s, see mannysgrills.com, or their facebook page at facebook.com/mannysgrillsandcafes.