[grayesun]

Located in plaza in front of Lowes on 441 right next to Firehouse subs. Being from MA, been craving a Greek pizza-pie for a few weeks; we noticed Takis and decided to give it a try.

Up in MA (central MA) most pizza joints are owned/operated by Greek families. There is a wide variety of flavors in the pizzas from 1 joint to another, so there's a lot of personal loyalty once you find the pie that does it for you. Believe me, we've tried dozens of different pizza's and always came back to our favorite few places.

Well the Takis pizza (pepperoni & ground beef) just didn't do it for either of us, very bland...like some seasonings were missing. We sat at the bar (the main seating area tables were full) had a bottle of our favorite wine (Rioja) and observed the entire restaurant operation as we drank & dined. My better half is a real estate backgrounded compulsive staging, decorating, efficiency, planning & organizing type person 24/7 and noted many ways Takis could improve their operation. By the time we finished our wine, the place was completely empty - the lunch crowd was gone and that was it.

We'll try Takis one more time - not pizza and see how it goes.

[sunday]

Takis... like Stavro's, dispite the mediocre food and "dumpy motif" have been around the Lake/Sumter County area for generations. Incidently, because of the sheer longevity... they already have generations of loyal patrons. It is my understanding, they continue to open satellite restaurants merely to satisfy their growing "heredity patronage", not to solicite new business.... therefor there is no motive for change, improvement, or expence...

[Shirleevee]

Originally Posted by grayesun

Located in plaza in front of Lowes on 441 rightnext to Firehouse subs. Being from MA, been craving a Greek pizza-pie for a few weeks; we noticed Takis and decided to give it a try.

Up in MA (central MA) most pizza joints are owned/operated by Greek families. There is a wide variety of flavors in the pizzas from 1 joint to another, so there's a lot of personal loyalty once you find the pie that does it for you. Believe me, we've tried dozens of different pizza's and always came back to our favorite few places.

Well the Takis pizza (pepperoni & ground beef) just didn't do it for either of us, very bland...like some seasonings were missing. We sat at the bar (the main seating area tables were full) had a bottle of our favorite wine (Rioja) and observed the entire restaurant operation as we drank & dined. My better half is a real estate backgrounded compulsive staging, decorating, efficiency, planning & organizing type person 24/7 and noted many ways Takis could improve their operation. By the time we finished our wine, the place was completely empty - the lunch crowd was gone and that was it.

We'll try Takis one more time - not pizza and see how it goes.

We are NY's and eat at many diners. Husband is Greek.......this diner was nothing like any diner we have ever eaten in. I would rate the food with the decor, in need of major improvement.

[grayesun]

Maybe we won't bother going back at all; a sad commentary when people continue to patronize a business when that business apparently doesn't care about the quality of their product.

[lasvegas]

I do not understand exactly what the complaint is if you do not like the pizza or the decor then simply do not return. To say the company does not take pride in the quality of their food because of the lack of spices or taste is simply an opinion. If they were to change their recipe they have had for 30 years successfully around the area then the 95% of the clientele that are happy now they would not like it.

To go out of your way to slander a small family owned business and try to take business away from them based on your opinion is completely rude.


I love Takis think I will go there for lunch.

[sunday]

Originally Posted by lasvegas

I do not understand exactly what the complaint is if you do not like the pizza or the decor then simply do not return. To say the company does not take pride in the quality of their food because of the lack of spices or taste is simply an opinion. If they were to change their recipe they have had for 30 years successfully around the area then the 95% of the clientele that are happy now they would not like it.

To go out of your way to slander a small family owned business and try to take business away from them based on your opinion is completely rude.


I love Takis think I will go there for lunch.

Amen!!!

Thank you Takis.... For YEARS of service to our community!! Forgive the transplants(tourists)...they know not what they say or do.

Meet you there vegas

[dfn8tly]

I personally know the Tsolakis family who own and run Takis. They are fine people who take great pride in their restaurant and have stepped forward to offer service and sponsorship of events to this area for decades. If Gary & Bev don't like the decor then don't go back. Takis is not trying to be pretentious or put on a false front. They are just what you see . . . a long established family business. I respect and admire them.

[gemorc]

Originally Posted by dfn8tly

I personally know the Tsolakis family who own and run Takis. They are fine people who take great pride in their restaurant and have stepped forward to offer service and sponsorship of events to this area for decades. If Gary & Bev don't like the decor then don't go back. Takis is not trying to be pretentious or put on a false front. They are just what you see . . . a long established family business. I respect and admire them.

[twynsmom]

We go there once a week and have been for two years. Although we don't know the owners personally, at least one family member is always there and very friendly and accomodating. The wait staff is great as well. As a side note, every time we are there (during the dinner hours) it is super busy and crowded, so they must be doing something right. Keep up the great food and service Taki's..

[grayesun]

We were disappointed on many counts and it appears others have been as well...plain and simple.

I didn't get into detailing the nitty gritty details of the flaws and shortcomings at Takis we observed while sitting at the bar...but suffice it to say there were more than a few, we don't noramlly see in any restaurant.

In spite of that we were considering going back to try something else, until the next 2 responses confirmed our initial opinions. If some of you folks get your dander up when opinions are offered conflicting with yours...well that's just tough isn't it...get a grip. There's enough room in TV for all of us to like & dislike whatever we choose (and opine freely about it, without being accused of slander).

Originally Posted by grayesun

We were disappointed on many counts and it appears others have been as well...plain and simple.

I didn't get into detailing the nitty gritty details of the flaws and shortcomings at Takis we observed while sitting at the bar...but suffice it to say there were more than a few, we don't noramlly see in any restaurant.

In spite of that we were considering going back to try something else, until the next 2 responses confirmed our initial opinions. If some of you folks get your dander up when opinions are offered conflicting with yours...well that's just tough isn't it...get a grip. There's enough room in TV for all of us to like & dislike whatever we choose (and opine freely about it, without being accused of slander).

Somebody Please Make A Good PIZZA!!!!

[chuckinca]

We like Belleview Pizza.


.

[mac9]

Best real neopolitan pizza is Pizza Etc. in the old Albertson's shopping center(Spanish Plaines?)

[Taking it easy]

Gary & Bev,

I think you picked the right restaurant but wrong location. The original Taki's is in Leesburg on 441 after it splits off from 27. My wife and I made the mistake of trying the one up by Lowes in the Villages and have never been back. Not sure on the whole story, I believe it is an extension of family or something up there. The one in Leesburg is no longer the original owners either for at least a couple of years now but the new owners in my opinion have an even better product than before. I eat there on a regular basis. Taki's was good back in the day but for a few years leading up to them opening that location up in the villages, something was lost either to the next generation or relative or I don't know what. Either way, I have met the new owners in Leesburg. They are a very nice couple with a young daughter. He is Greek and has been in the restaurant business his whole life and let me tell you it shows. Most of the time you will find him in the kitchen, which is why the food is so good! The decor is a little dated but warm. Just in my observations, they have renovated bathrooms which are night and day from the previous owners. They are very nice and clean. They have changed those dreadful tablecloths and it appears that they are doing some painting and drywall work as well. The place just sems cleaner overall. They are sprucing up the decor but believe me that is not why you go there, it's the food! I don't mean to talk bad of the old owners as I liked them too. I just think they got tired after all these years and needed to retire and just kind of either quit caring or had other issues that I don't know about. Either way I saw the place being run down for a few years and now it is really on the up and up. Like I said, the food is delicious, the decor is nice, the service is good but once in a while you'll get one of thier new servers who may not know everything yet but that is to be expected wherever you go. The owners are very nice and obvousily care about their food and most of all their customers. I actually heard the owner (which his name is Dimitri) (not sure on the spelling which is why I didn't write it before) tell his employees that he truly believes the customers are the boss and that without them they wouldn't get a paycheck and subsequently him too. I don't know how many people who run a business these days feel that way. It was nice to hear that coming from a young man today. It seems more and more that sense of professionalism has been lost or forgotten. This young couple has the makings of the restaurant owners of old where they were there most all the time, cared about you and your family as if you were their family and know their way around the kitchen. I know I kind of went a little overboard but I like to give credit where credit is due. Also, if you are lucky enough to see their Daughter on one of the few nights she is there, she is an absolute treat. She is so adorable and quite a ham!(I think she's almost two) Now, back to the original reason for responding to you. The pizza the new owner Dimitri makes is awesome! If you like Greek style pizza this is the place! If you go there, there is a little write up on him posted by the register about his history and such from the local paper. Ask for him by name but be sure to ask for Big Dimitri as he has another Dimitri known as little Dimitri who is also Greek and is the Manager. Like I said, Greeks who know their way around the kitchen! Hope this helps!