Curious Nashville Why are 'Chicago-style' gyros everywhere in Nashville?
Nov 18, 2025
In this engaging exploration, reporter Justin Barney dives into the mystery of 'Chicago-style' gyros in Nashville. He traces the origins back to Joey Kahn, the gyro's pioneer, and unpacks the surprising industrial roots of the gyro meat cone in Chicago. Justin reveals how Grecian Delight revolutionized gyro production and how their distinctive seasoning defines the 'Chicago-style.' He even interviews Peter Parthenes, known as the 'Euro Baron,' who shares insights on how the gyro became a nationwide sensation. It's a delicious journey through culinary history!
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The Founder Who Seemed To Vanish
- Justin traced the Nashville chain founder to a name in a 1996 Tennessean mention: Joey Kahn.
- He then found almost no digital trace and hit a dead end searching for Joey online or by phone.
A Name Change And A Quiet Ending
- Justin discovered Joey had Americanized his first name from Fakir and later learned of his recent death.
- That revelation stalled direct interviews but didn't end the investigation.
A Dumpster Clue Reframes The Story
- Dumpster-found boxes led Justin to Grecian Delight, the meat cone manufacturer in Illinois.
- That clue reframed the story from a local name to a national supply chain origin.