Locking up is not a problem – “Little Greek” also stopped a trick

After that string of bad luck, many people would have given up. But not Alexander Sigiridis. “Because self-pity is poison for me,” says the 61-year-old cult restorer from Wels after three particularly tough and difficult years.

Shock after lockdown
In the spring of 2020, he had to close his restaurant “Zum Kleinen Grieken” for a long time for the first time since it opened in 1995 due to the corona virus. After that, only gyros, souvlaki and moussaka could be picked up. In 2021 it got even worse. In anticipation of the Christmas business, the federal government imposed another lockdown on November 22. Just 14 days later, Sigiridis suffered a stroke.

Ten month break
The following spring, after the easing of corona measures, while his gastro colleagues were preparing for the reopening, he had to go to rehab. For a month, the therapy center Gmundnerberg was his new home. Because of the strict visitor rules, he only saw his family on weekends. Sigiridis gritted his teeth. But the way back took almost ten months. It wasn’t until September last year that the lights finally came back on. “Alex”, as he is called by his friends and guests, took a much shorter step. He allows himself two days off on Sunday and Monday. Tuesday to Friday only open at 17:00, 12:00 and evenings only on Saturdays.

Restorer with body and soul
He is far from thinking about his retirement. “Because I am healthy and a restaurateur with heart and soul,” he tells the “Krone”. He also reveals why the restaurant is called “The Little Greeks”. “Because it’s small,” smiled the not necessarily tall Sigiridis. But that’s exactly what makes the restaurant and landlord so likeable.