A Fast-Casual Greek Cafe Is Targeting Shuttered Taylor Gourmet Locations

The owners behind the Big Greek Cafe hope to open 10 locations across the D.C. area in the next few years, and its real estate representative says the growing fast-casual concept with three locations in Maryland will explore shuttered Taylor Gourmet stores.

The Big Greek Cafe is on the prowl for sites in D.C., Northern Virginia, and Maryland that are 1,800 to 2,600 square feet, Long & Foster broker Erik Ulsaker tells Eater.

Along with Taylor Gourmet, which left over a dozen pieces of area real estate up for grabs following its sudden demise last month, the Big Greek Cafe is also looking at spaces formerly occupied by other fast-casual eateries such as Au Bon Pain and Panera or “any opportunities where there is a second-generation kitchen with Type 1 venting,” Ulsaker says.

Since 2009, the Big Greek Cafe has opened in downtown Silver Spring and Rockville. The brand added a Bethesda location this summer. Offerings include a Greek-style lasagna, crispy fried flounder, grilled lamb chops, as well as sandwiches or platters of gyros, souvlaki and falafel. There’s baklava for dessert.

• Taylor Gourmet Shops Closed Throughout D.C. Yesterday [EDC]