A Taste of Tradition at Sparta Taverna in Ridgefield Park
- eileen strauss
- Jun 26
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 7
In the walkable town of Ridgefield Park, NJ, *Sparta Taverna has been serving authentic Greek cuisine for over 20 years. Owned and operated by Chef Georgios Gkouveris, this beloved neighborhood spot is more than just a place to eat—it’s a destination where tradition, transformation, and a deep belief in the power of people take a seat at the table.
A Culinary Journey
Chef George’s culinary journey began in Sparta, Greece, at a young age. In his family restaurant, he cultivated a deep respect for fresh, simple, and flavorful food. At just 21, he emigrated to the United States. Here, he opened his first restaurant, George’s Café, in Rockland County, NY.
From 1998 to 2004, George ran the café while pursuing formal training. He earned his Culinary Arts certificate during this time. In the same year, he relocated his restaurant to Ridgefield Park, renaming it George’s Café and Grill. By 2010, it transformed into Sparta Taverna, a true homage to his heritage and growing commitment to Greek-Mediterranean cuisine.
Greek-Mediterranean Cuisine: A Legacy of Flavor
At Sparta Taverna, Greek-Mediterranean cooking transcends trends. It’s a timeless culinary experience. The menu showcases bold, simple flavors—think grilled meats, olive oil, lemon, fresh herbs, flaky pastries, and vibrant vegetables.
Every dish reflects cultural pride. Favorites like the Gyro Pita, Chicken Souvlaki Platter, and the vegetarian delight Spanakopita are crafted with care and quality.
What Customers Crave
Sparta Taverna does more than serve food—it listens to feedback. George and his team are committed to consistency and freshness, consistently delivering customer favorites.
Must-Try Fan Favorites
Chicken Caesar Wrap: Grilled chicken, romaine, and Caesar dressing in a warm pita.
Chicken Chipotle Wrap: Spicy grilled chicken with lettuce and tomato.
Gyro Pita: A mix of lamb and beef, tzatziki, tomatoes, and onions.
Sparta Chicken Pita: Chicken breast topped with red onion and chipotle sauce.
Chicken Souvlaki Platter: Marinated skewers served with rice, potatoes, and Greek salad.
Falafel Appetizer: Vegetarian chickpea croquettes served with tzatziki or hummus dip.
Salads: Crisp and colorful options that delight customers.
Direct Delivery: A Game Changer
With delivery ratings consistently between 88% and 100% across platforms, Sparta Taverna’s commitment to quality speaks for itself.
However, George faced challenges with high delivery fees and unreliable drivers. So, he sought a better solution.
"In 2024, I began partnering with the team at [Sauce](https://www.getsauce.com/?_gl=hzhj7p_gcl_auMTM4MDc5MTY5MS4xNzQ5MzY0OTkz_gaMTY2NTk4MzM3Mi4xNzQ5MzA0MjIw_ga_CFB0D1JZ02czE3NTA5MzU0NTkkbzE2MyRnMSR0MTc1MDkzNjAyNiRqNTckbDAkaDk2NTc2NDQxMg.._ga_9FZH1D7NW4czE3NTA5MzU0NTkkbzIxNCRnMSR0MTc1MDkzNjAyNiRqNTckbDAkaDA.), and everything changed."
"Finally," he shared, "I found a delivery partner who shares my philosophy: putting service and the customer first."
Now, Sparta Taverna:
Retains more of its hard-earned profits.
Controls food and service quality.
Builds stronger loyalty by connecting directly with customers.
Food Brings People In. Service Brings Them Back.
After more than 20 years in the business, George firmly believes:
“Food brings people in. But service brings them back.”
At Sparta Taverna, this people-first mindset is central to their operations. From the warm welcome at the door to the presentation of each dish, this philosophy shines through. It’s a key reason customers return year after year, making the restaurant a local favorite.
A Simple Yet Powerful Business Philosophy
George’s approach to business is straightforward but impactful:
Take care of your staff.
Respect your customers.
Let the quality of food and ambiance follow.
The Real Secret Sauce: People
When asked what sets Sparta Taverna apart, George doesn’t begin with ingredients. Instead, he highlights his team.
“The secret sauce is the staff.”
This belief shapes every decision he makes. “When hiring, I seek more than just experience. All the training in the world won’t matter if the person doesn’t show up with a smile and a passion for their work.”
George knows that true hospitality begins with a well-respected team. “You have to prioritize people—both your staff and your customers. When you do, everything else falls into place.”
From Recipes to Relationships
In 2022, George released his first cookbook, Simply Greek: From My Restaurant to Your Home. This collection highlights traditional and modern recipes, along with insights into the Mediterranean lifestyle.
Currently, he’s working on a second book focused on hospitality.
“Anyone can make a good dish. But if you don’t understand hospitality, you’ll never create a great restaurant.”
Conclusion: More Than Just a Meal
In a fast-food world where connections fade, Sparta Taverna shines brightly. Built on heart, heritage, and hospitality, it has thrived for over two decades. Chef George remains rooted in his origins and the people he serves.
Whether you're a fellow restaurateur, a lover of Greek cuisine, or simply someone who appreciates a meal crafted with care, you can see how the power of people meets the plate at Sparta Taverna.
Visit Us Online
For more information, visit www.spartataverna.com.
By Eileen Strauss
