In Foodnetwork.ca’s July 26 article, “Our Favourite Burgers Across Canada,” the burger spot in Port Hope made the list — for the third time.
Co-Owner of the Greek burger spot, George Kallonakis, says this came to no surprise of the locals.
Over the last ten years Food Network has ranked them amongst the best burger spots, but this isn’t the only source giving recognition to Olympus Burger from across the nation.
In 2017, Canadian Living ranked them as their number one spot for the best burgers in the country. Heinz Ketchup even weighed in, ranking Olympus Burger amongst their top 25 Canada-wide.
Kallonakis says it’s not new, but its still humbling.
Kallonakis recounts that the idea for Olympus Burger came to him while his family owned Captain George’s Fish & Chips in Port Hope. He says that he had a “gourmet” burger for lunch in Toronto– and knew he could do better.
He quickly bought the old Port Hope Kentucky Fried Chicken building, put his university degree on hold, and got started with the next phase.
The restaurant now serves 12 burgers themed after the Greek Gods of Olympus — You can mix and match to get choices like the Dionysus with a side of “Olympus fries,” or the Zeus with a “Spartan salad.”
Looking back on his journey so far, he says he might never know what life would’ve been like away from Port Hope.
Of course, recognition on a national scale could lead to lofty pursuits of interests for a small-town business looking to garner even more attention. But when asked about the possibility of franchising, Kallonakis says he’s not interested.
Olympus Burger is open Wednesday to Sunday weekly for you to take a bite of the true Food of the Gods.
Written by Noah Lorusso
