Louie Alexakis, the managing partner of Avli–founded in 2009 in Winnetka, grew up in the hospitality industry working for his parents, who fun fact–owned a chain of hot dog stands in the Chicago Park District for over 50 years. After decades of travel and finding success at Avli Winnetka, Louie teamed up with partner and Chicago sportscaster Lou Canellis to bring contemporary Greek cuisine to Chicago with the opening of Avli Taverna in 2018.

Four years, three Chicago concepts, and one Milwaukee restaurant later, the group is excited to continue expanding their vision of contemporary Greek.