Success Story

Jeanette and Taki Sawi in their kitchen.

Not long ago, Jeanette and Taki Sawi had a dream and a trunkful of great Greek recipes. They turned that dream into a thriving Fountain Square restaurant called Santorini Greek Kitchen. And they were successful—maybe a little too successful. Customers were frequently lined up outside the door at 1112 Shelby Street, waiting for a table.

But that’s changed, thanks to a unique partnership with SEND and the Fountain Square Main Street Program. Santorini is now located at 1419 E. Prospect in a restored 1879 building that was originally a grocery and later a pharmacy, furniture store, and bar. Today, Santorini is about twice as large, with a new storefront that is more in keeping with the historic character of Fountain Square.

SEND and Fountain Square Main Street helped the Sawis develop the space and secure funding for the project from Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC).

And business is booming! “Sitting on laps is now optional!” laughed Jeanette Sawi.