TheLeader_VOLUME_XXVII_ISSUE1_Spring2026 - Flipbook - Page 33
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University of West Attica Honors Peter Parthenis
story—a man who combined engineering ingenuity with
a passion for his heritage.
The award follows the 50th anniversary of his company,
Grecian Delight, which recently merged with Kronos
Foods to become a global leader in Mediterranean
cuisine. Associate Dean Professor Alina Hyz praised
Parthenis as a “model of perseverance,” noting that his
business path was built on hard work and the
Mediterranean values of quality and hospitality.
University of West Attica Rector, Professor Panagiotis
E. Kaldis, presents the honorary distinction to Peter
Parthenis.
Credit꞉ E Syranidis/Greek Reporter
Adding to the significance of the occasion was the
presence of his family, who represent the continuation of
his life’s work. Among those in attendance were his son,
Peter Parthenis Jr., President and CEO of Grecian
Delight | Kronos Foods, a member of Leadership 100,
together with his wife Vicki, and his grandson, Peter
Parthenis IV, symbolizing a legacy that continues to
evolve across generations.
In a ceremony in March at the Acropolis Museum, the
University of West Attica (UNIWA) conferred an
Honorary Doctorate upon Peter Parthenis, the visionary
founder of Grecian Delight | Kronos, who, together with
his wife, Ethel, are prominent and longtime members of
Leadership 100. Peter also served as a member of the
Board of Trustees. The award recognizes his 50-year
journey as a titan of the Mediterranean food industry
and his tireless promotion of Hellenic culture in the
United States.
Professor Aikaterini Kikilia, Chair of Tourism
Management, emphasized that Parthenis’ work did more
for Greek tourism than traditional advertising ever
could. By bringing the flavors of Greece to every corner
of America—from local diners to major stadiums—he
established a “gastronomic bridge” that inspired millions
to visit Greece.
The event was attended by high-ranking officials,
including US Ambassador Kimberly Guilfoyle and
Deputy Minister of Education Konstantinos Vlasis, who
gathered to celebrate a man who turned a Greek street
food staple into an American culinary phenomenon.
A visibly moved Parthenis accepted the doctorate not as
a personal trophy but as a tribute to his family and the
Greek diaspora. He recalled the early days of economic
hardship in rural Greece and the daunting leap of faith
he took by migrating to the United States.
The ceremony highlighted Parthenis’ legendary status as
a pioneer of the “Greek food movement” in America.
Arriving in the US from Vonitsa in the 1960s with little
more than a dream, Parthenis revolutionized the
industry in 1974 by inventing and patenting the first
automated gyro machine.
He highlighted that his greatest satisfaction comes from
the “human element” of his success. Throughout his 50year career, he has prioritized his employees’ welfare,
providing access to healthcare and education. His
guiding principle, he told the audience, has always been
“working with a smile.”
This innovation allowed Greek restaurants across North
America to serve consistent, high-quality gyros,
effectively launching a multi-billion-dollar industry. As
UNIWA Rector Professor Panagiotis E. Kaldis noted,
Parthenis is the quintessential “self-made” success
The ceremony concluded with an additional honor꞉ a
commemorative plaque from the Department of Food
Science and Technology, recognizing Parthenis’ role in
setting the global standard for Mediterranean food safety
and innovation.
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