Greek favourite Parthenon Souvlaki Bar opens third franchise in Hobart CBD

Parthenon Souvlaki has opened its third franchise in just two years, defying expectations as the revived brand sets sights on mainland expansion from Tasmania.

Apsara Khadka partner of franchise owner, business owner Jack Lambrakis with partner Tina Lambrakis, Prashant Khatri franchise owner. Parthenon Souvlaki Bar has opened a Hobart city franchise adding to the North Hobart and Moonah franchises. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

In just two short years, the Parthenon Souvlaki brand has been revived as a stand-out favourite on Hobart’s takeaway circuit.

Owner Jack Lambrakis opened the first franchise in Moonah in 2023 before expanding to North Hobart.

Now, he’s opened another store – this time in Wellington Court, the heart of the CBD.

“It’s gone crazy,” he said.

“We’re really excited to see the business’ growth.”

Gyros plate. Parthenon Souvlaki Bar has opened a Hobart city franchise adding to the North Hobart and Moonah franchises. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Baklava. Parthenon Souvlaki Bar has opened a Hobart city franchise adding to the North Hobart and Moonah franchises. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Mr Lambrakis worked as a fruiterer before moving from Melbourne to Tasmania in the early 1990s, when he took over a Parthenon franchise.

Parthenon phased out around a decade later before Mr Lambrakis brought the business back to life, bringing people on board like Prashant Khatri, who alongside his partner, Apsara Khadka, operates the Wellington Court franchise.

“I’ve been really fortunate that Jack’s given me the opportunity to operate the third store,” he said.

In the 11 years he has lived in Australia, Mr Khatri has worked across a series of restaurants.

But his enduring passion remains Greek food.

“I love Greek cuisine,” he said.

“We prep all the food ourselves so it’s ready fresh for each service.”

But the Parthenon expansion won’t stop at Wellington Court.

Apsara Khadka partner of franchise owner, business owner Jack Lambrakis with partner Tina Lambrakis, Prashant Khatri franchise owner. Parthenon Souvlaki Bar has opened a Hobart city franchise adding to the North Hobart and Moonah franchises. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

The next location will be opened in Kingston at the Spring Farm Village shopping centre, with further plans to expand to the Eastern Shore, Sorrell, Launceston, Devonport and Burnie.

“We’re eventually going to go across to the mainland,” Mr Lambrakis said.

“We’ve got lots of people that want to join the brand.”

With a menu stacked with classic Greek favourites including gyros, galaktoboureko and of course, souvlaki, Mr Lambrakis said he was eager continue bringing Mediterranean cuisine to Tasmania.

“It’s great to have that multicultural diversity,” he said.

“It gives everyone a bit of a choice.”

Parthenon Souvlaki Bar Wellington Court is open 10am to 8pm, Monday to Saturday.