After nearly a decade, The Greek Taste, has served its last slice of famous and delicious pizza for the final time.

The popular family based restaurant will be closing its doors officially on 28 February 2023, with the owner, Pantelis Savopoulos, most widely known as Laki, moving to Bloemfontein.

Savopoulos made the announcement this past week on The Greek Taste’s Facebook page, with numerous clients and patrons, wishing him well, but also sharing the great memories they had at the restaurant.

“I would like to thank you for your continued support and love during my mother’s time, and after she passed away your support was and is much valued and appreciated.

It was an absolute pleasure being able to do business with you. I hope that both my mom and me were and have been successful in our goal to sell the best food in Potchefstroom.

I will miss you all as you are all very close to my heart.

At The Greek Taste, clients became friends and became family.

I will miss each and every one of you.

Efgaristo / Thank you

Much love

Laki,” the statement read.

Most will remember the scrumptious and delicious servings of pizza, filled to the brim with generous toppings. Others will miss the baklava, ice-cream and friendly hospitality. Community was at the heart of it all – as many Greek inspired evenings will attest.

Here is a selection of reactions on The Greek Taste Facebook page: (Compiled by Cornelia Hitge)

• “This is very sad,” says Leon Heydenrych, “you are part of Potchefstroom’s history, and still part of what is precious in our town. I remember from many years ago on the old premises where I bought my first soft serve ice cream as a troop, to where today free Baklava was given to the children with love.”
• Mariaan Van Aswegen Stofberg mentions that The Greek Taste made the best pizza in town. “You will be missed. Best wishes for the future.”
• “It’s a very big loss for Potchefstroom!” Zellie Vermaak wishes that Savopoulos will do well in Bloemfontein and says further that he will always have clients in Potchefstroom.
• Simone Roos is sad, but continues, “May your new life with your lovely wife lead to bigger and better things. I wish you love, success, and happiness. I’m going to miss you my friend!”
• Danie Scholtz says he will always remember the good food and the love and passion that the food was served with.
• “This is very sad news Lakis,” says Jack Magnus, “may your path be filled with success for the future, all the best on your new journey.”
• To Louise Smith it’s a big loss for Potchefstroom, but a big win for Bloemfontein. She wishes Savopoulos the best of luck.
• “You will indeed be missed my friend,” as said by Stefan Freysen. “I hope you find lots of love and happiness in Bloemfontein.”
• Susan Steyn says she knows Lakis will always give his best. “We moved out of Potch six years ago and still talk about The Greek Taste’s pizza and great vibe.”