Having being raised and schooled in the Vereeniging area, Kyri Ioannides has always considered the Vaal his home. His first introduction to the business world came at a young age when he worked alongside his father in their supermarket, Chrisalex. With this being his foundation, Kyri realised his passion for making and trying new recipes which people could enjoy. He wished to find a way to continue his father’s goal of blending the Greek culture’s love of food with South African cuisine and the diversity it provided.

He and his wife Julia opened their first restaurant in October 1994. Digger’s Grill, being a franchise, quickly became a popular place thanks to its amazing food and service. Later, in 1999 he opened Café Paparazzi in River Square Mall which also exceeded expectation. It served as both the perfect ‘coffee and lunch stop’ during shopping hours and a place to enjoy a fun night out. More than 20 years on since its opening and five years on from its closing, people still approach Kyri to tell him about all the good times they had in Café Paparazzi.

Following the opening of Café Paparazzi, he opened Gold Rush Grill in place of Digger’s – equally well-received by the people of Vereeniging and he inevitably built a well-known image in the town as a restaurateur who worked hands on to ensure his excellent standard was always met, if not exceeded. Two successful businesses and three daughters later Kyri then saw another opportunity to provide the Vaal with something new in the form of a Mediterranean cuisine restaurant; thus was the establishment of Fandango’s in 2009. He put special care into his recipes which he eventually became famous for. In 2017 Kyri was offered the opportunity to open the Ocean Basket franchise in Vereeniging. This venture was very challenging as Kyri had also lost his father that year. He became determined to make this next chapter a success for his father’s legacy. The popularity of Ocean Basket quickly grew and is today regarded by many as the best sea food franchise in the Vaal.

The Covid-19 pandemic was especially challenging for Kyri when all businesses were forced to shut down and no one was able to work. This was hard for him as he had always been so hands-on at work, that staying home all day was a completely new experience for him. As soon as the government allowed for takeaways Kyri was back in his restaurants making food with his own hands to try support not only the community with hearty meals but also try to regain some income to pay his staff who he felt responsibility for. With his family and General Manager Bernard Meyer by his side they continued to work hard till the restrictions were eased enough so that the restaurant could begin to function as close to ‘normal’ as possible.

Following the pandemic Kyri wanted to try and put some spark back in town by reminding people of the joy that going out with our loved ones could bring us. With that in mind, Encore was established in March 2022. Encore is a completely new, completely unique experience in the Vaal area. Kyri, with his dedicated team, worked hard to bring something never before seen to the Vaal. Encore restaurant not only serves as one of the most aesthetically beautiful designed restaurants in this area, it also provides an intricately extensive menu with all day dining. Additionally, with its exclusive lounge set-up and separate smoking and non-smoking sections it provides an ambience for all its patrons.

It gives Kyri great joy to see the children he once watched play in Digger’s Grill now walk into Encore with their own children to enjoy the food and service he provides. His mixed Greek and South African culture has always taught him that food brings people together. Be it friends or family, food provides a reason for us to take time out of our busy lives to spend time with the people who matter most.

It is Kyri and his team’s wish that whether it be Fandango’s, Ocean Basket or the new and unique Encore, he is able to provide people with the reason to take that time.

Photo: Kyri with the lovely ladies in his life: From left: Wife Julia and the three daughters, Katerina, Pamela and Anne.

Photo: Mr Kyri Ioannides.

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