“Location, location, location what is huge part of our recipe for success. Easy access from the freeway, next to businesses, and family parks” - Lar | The Great Greek Scottsdale

Lara Lazola from The Great Greek Scottsdale: Challenges and Success in the Restaurant Industry

Welcome to the Click and Mortar Podcast! In this episode, we are thrilled to host Lara Lazola, the owner of The Great Greek in Scottsdale. We dive deep into the unique challenges and opportunities she has encountered in the restaurant business, exploring how she transitioned from a gaming career into the culinary world. Lara shares the lessons she’s learned, the strategies that worked, and the obstacles she had to overcome.

From Video Games to Greek Food: Lara’s Journey

Lara’s career path is far from conventional. Originally from New Zealand, she moved to the U.S. during the COVID-19 pandemic to be closer to her mother. Coming from the gaming industry, where she managed a company with 150 employees, the shift to the restaurant business was unexpected.

Lara was inspired by her grandmother, a one-woman powerhouse who ran multiple restaurants. This legacy, combined with Lara's passion for Greek food, encouraged her to open The Great Greek in Scottsdale. “I never thought I'd get into this field until my grandmother told me I could,” Lara reflects. “I wanted to carry on her legacy and make her proud.”

Why Greek Food and Why Scottsdale?

Lara's love for Greek cuisine is personal. “Greek food satisfies me,” she shares. “It has everything I need: rice, meat, and salad.” But opening a restaurant wasn’t just about personal preference. Lara chose the location carefully:

• Ample parking ensures easy access for customers.

• Proximity to businesses offers steady lunchtime traffic.

• Highway visibility provides free advertising, eliminating the need for costly billboards.

While Scottsdale is competitive, Lara saw potential in the area’s growing community and manageable traffic.

Overcoming Challenges in Customer Acquisition

Like many restaurant owners, Lara faced challenges initially. “I expected a quick boom when we opened, but word of mouth was slow to build.” To address this, Lara focused on community involvement, which quickly paid off:

• Networking with local businesses: She visited nearby clinics and hotels, offering food samples. This created relationships that drove customer referrals.

• Engaging with the Chamber of Commerce: Lara connected with supportive women in business who brought over 100 customers to her restaurant.

Her efforts highlight the importance of community engagement as a marketing tool.

Building Customer Loyalty

Maintaining relationships with customers has been key to Lara’s success. She emphasizes the importance of excellent customer service, ensuring guests feel welcomed from the moment they walk in. “Training my employees to greet customers, explain the menu, and offer help makes a big difference,” Lara says.

The restaurant’s focus on healthy, authentic Greek food also plays a role in customer retention. “Our food is fresh, and I can name every ingredient. Customers appreciate that, and it keeps them coming back.”

Digital Marketing Strategies

As part of a franchise, corporate handles much of the digital marketing, but Lara leverages social media to promote her location. She regularly boosts posts and runs paid ads. “Every time I boost a post, I get about 30 customers saying they saw the ad,” she notes, proving the effectiveness of digital outreach.

However, Lara stresses the importance of aligning with corporate marketing strategies while tailoring posts to fit the unique needs of her local community.

Lessons Learned: What Works and What Doesn’t

When asked about strategies that didn’t work, Lara explains that some national influencer partnerships might not be effective for her. “My market is local, so I focus on what resonates with my community.” For Lara, local relationships are more valuable than broad influencer campaigns.

Her biggest takeaway? Being present in the business. “You learn a lot by interacting directly with customers and figuring out what works,” she advises.

Growing the Business: What’s Next?

Lara has ambitious plans for expansion. “In the next 3 to 6 months, I aim to open two more locations in Scottsdale, with a long-term goal of running five.” She acknowledges that scaling her business will require hiring more staff and learning to delegate, ensuring she maintains a healthy work-life balance.

Advice for Aspiring Restaurant Owners

Lara offers valuable advice for anyone looking to start or grow a business:

1. Surround yourself with like-minded people: “You’ll learn a lot from others in your industry.”

2. Support the community: Giving back creates goodwill and builds strong relationships.

3. Stay present in your business: “You’ll see firsthand what works and what doesn’t.”

Conclusion

Lara Lazola’s journey from video games to the restaurant industry is a testament to the power of community, perseverance, and passion. By staying true to her roots and focusing on customer experience, Lara has successfully established The Great Greek as a local favorite in Scottsdale.

If you’re in the area, be sure to visit The Great Greek at 9280 E. Via De Ventura Road, near White Castle and Odyssey. With fresh, healthy, and authentic Greek cuisine, it’s the perfect spot for both casual dining and catering events.