Business
11 December, 2025
Hospitality key to Fetta’s
Host George Karagiannis loves nothing more than chatting with customers
FETTA’S Greek Taverna in Cairns is the latest chapter in a long family history of Greek hospitality that has stretched across Australia for more than 50 years.
Before Cairns, the family created well-known venues such as Greek Spot in Hawthorn, Ouzo’s Taverna in South Melbourne, Mykonos Taverna, Mykonos Nightclub, Jungle’s in St Kilda, The Greek Taverna in Perth and George’s Restaurant & Bar.
Today, the tradition continues through Paradise Cairns, Fetta’s Taverna, Mykonos and El Greko Palm Cove – all run by the same family for half a century.
At the centre of this story is George Karagiannis.
“I love people and I love food,” he says proudly.
“I grew up a mum’s boy. I started in restaurants for fun under the tutorage of George Nivanos who was Aristotle Onasis’ private chef for 15 years and had cooked for Winston Churchill and President Kennedy. He was extremely good in business and I fell in love with it.”
Over the years, Mr Karagiannis has met some unforgettable personalities.
He remembers Hollywood star Marlon Brando (private in public but talkative in private), Prime Minister Gough Whitlam (whom he describes as the smartest and most entertaining politician he had met), Eric Burdon and The Animals, who brought amazing times in Melbourne, Cairns and Athens, Annie Lennox from the Eurythmics and the late convicted criminal, gang member and author Mark ‘Chopper’ Read, who he described as “funny as hell.”
Mr Karagiannis credits wife Helen and daughter Natalie for being there “time after time” and says his staff mean everything to him.
“They care, they help and thank you is not enough. But no one treats me or my staff like slaves – I don’t stand for that,” he said.
“I believe in real, authentic food and sending customers home with full bellies.”
A few years ago, Mr Karagiannis almost quit due to crime and heavy regulations, but with new leadership under Premier David Crisafulli, he feels more hopeful and credits the premier’s strong stance on crime as a reason for his new found energy for the industry.
“What stands out most at Fetta’s is the effortless warmth that defines the experience,” Mr Karagiannis said.
“The service is consistently excellent, friendly, attentive and unhurried – creating the feeling that you’re dining with family,” he said.
“The food is always exceptional, bursting with authentic Greek flavour.”
But the true charm lies in Mr Karagiannis himself. He often strolls from table to table, pulling up a chair for a chat, sharing a story or simply making guests laugh.
“It’s a simple gesture, yet it embodies the heart of Greek hospitality,” he said.
“After 50 years, Fetta’s remains what it has always been – honest food, warm people and a lifetime of Greek hospitality.”
