“We Athenians have an intense relationship with our food”: Mylonas Food Market, Athens

Mylonas Food Market is a three-generation powerhouse in specialty groceries and deli delights. With five stores across Athens, this market is all about top-notch, sustainable produce and supporting local farmers. Owner Grigoris Mylonas gives us a peek into the heart of his business.

High-quality, local produce as a competitive edge 

Grigoris lives and breathes groceries. “I was practically born in the store,” he says, proud to carry on the family tradition. Mylonas Food Market is known for its high-quality, locally sourced goods that you won’t find in big supermarket chains. “We offer specialty items from local farmers that you just can't get anywhere else,” Grigoris explains.

With nearly 50 staff across five locations, Mylonas is a go-to spot for those seeking fresh, premium ingredients. Grigoris himself visits the central Athens market every two days to ensure top quality and freshness, and to catch up with the network of local farmers who supply his stores. “I taste everything—fruits, veggies, ingredients. It’s all about being as local as possible,” he adds.

Running a specialty store has its challenges. “Competing with big chains is tough,” admits Grigoris. Supermarkets wield huge buying power, especially when supplies are low due to weather issues. Yet, Mylonas thrives by focusing on quality and personalized service.

"We offer a niche that supermarket chains are not interested in serving. We can buy those high-end products from smaller farmers that the chains don’t find profitable."

“We compete on quality and niche,” he says. Being a smaller, flexible operation allows Mylonas to adapt quickly, offer custom orders, and change product lines easily.

Ambition is key in a highly discerning market  

Grigoris's passion for his work is clear. “I always knew this was my path,” he says. His commitment to quality, to him, also mirrors a deep, very Greek cultural attachment to food. “In Greece, good food starts with great ingredients,” he notes.

Grigoris adores Athens’s vibrant mix of modern energy and local charm. His favorite Greek dish? Briam—a savory mix of roasted veggies, perfect for sharing with friends.

The grocery scene has shifted, especially post-pandemic. “People are more informed about sustainability and local produce,” Grigoris observes. Customers are keen on supporting local and understanding their food’s impact.

"There’s a level of customer education that is much higher than it used to be,” he adds. Mylonas has adapted to these changes, with items like avocado now topping the popularity charts—a sign of evolving, more health-conscious tastes.

From storefront to stoop with Wolt 

Delivery is now a major part of Mylonas’s business, making up 25% of sales—up from just 5% before the pandemic. Partnering with Wolt in early 2021 proved crucial for meeting the delivery demand. “Wolt is a game-changer,” says Grigoris. “It helps us serve our customers better.”

The Wolt Merchant Lite tool is also a hit, helping Grigoris track store performance and manage inventory. “It’s incredibly valuable,” he says. “We use it for everything from order management to advertising.”

"With services like Wolt, you can compete with the major supermarkets—you can offer something they cannot and reach the same customer base with delivery."

Looking ahead, Grigoris is all about maintaining Mylonas’s high standards. “Dream big and aim high,” he advises. With Wolt’s support, Mylonas can stay competitive and continue to offer something unique.

Grigoris’s vision is simple: keep serving quality food and support the community. “Let’s keep our cities vibrant and our food top-notch,” he concludes. His dedication ensures Mylonas continues to thrive, staying true to its roots while adapting to new trends.