“That’s hard work,” he said.
Alasi has owned numerous restaurants, including locations in Austin, San Antonio and Laredo. He most recently sold Pita House, his restaurant on Parmer Lane, to focus on his newest venture, 183 Grill, which opened in August 2015 on US 183.
The Greek-American fusion restaurant serves traditional Mediterranean gyros, hummus, falafel and baklava. However, Alasi said he also wanted to serve American dishes, such as fresh burgers, salads and mozzarella sticks.
Alasi said he orders his halal meat from Chicago for the gyros, which are available in beef, lamb or chicken. Meat is sliced from a vertical rotisserie.
“The Mediterranean diet is pretty healthy and popular right now,” he said. “We also infuse American dishes [into the menu]. “It’s more of an accommodation so we don’t lose customers.”
For the burgers, he uses fresh, extra-lean meat; seasonings; and “other secret ingredients,” he said. Burgers are charbroiled instead of fried on a flat grill.
“It has the flavor of being cooked in your backyard,” he said.
Through a focus on quality, customer service and consistency, Alasi said the restaurant has attracted many regulars whom staff know by name.
“A good chunk of our business is carryout, deliveries and the lunch crowd,” he said. “We’re building a lot of loyal customers.”
Customers come from all over the Austin area, including Round Rock, Leander and Marble Falls. Alasi said he is planning to expand with a second location by next January in Cedar Park near Parmer and RM 1431.
The restaurant also delivers through GrubHub and offers lunch specials for $7.99 Monday through Friday from 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
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183 Grill
13729 N. US 183, Ste. 890, Austin
512-250-3663
www.183grillaustin.com
Hours: Mon.-Thu. 11 a.m.-8:30 p.m., Fri. 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Sat. noon-9 p.m., closed Sun.
