Opa! Welcome to the Gressis family table.
Galazio’s story didn’t start in a restaurant, it started on the road. Long before we had a dining room, we were catering local events across Charles County, from Buds Creek Motocross to the Charles County Fairgrounds. Every summer, my mother, Asimina Gressis, also ran a snack bar at the Smallwood Village pool. People kept telling us the same thing: this food deserves a real home. So in April 2002, we opened Ouzo’s Greek and Regional Cuisine.
For over a decade, Ouzo’s served Charles County with traditional Mediterranean dishes and unforgettable nights—from Easter celebrations and DJ nights to belly dancing, late-night Black Friday events, and even cooking classes. In 2013, amid the U.S. economic crisis, my late brother Iossif Marios Gressis made a bold move. He rebranded the restaurant and added our now-famous brick oven pizzas, creating what is known today as Galazio Restaurant.
Like my father before me, I found my way into education, teaching both locally and internationally for a total of 15 years. But in 2021, after my brother’s sudden passing, I came home to carry the family business forward—leaving behind a fulfilling role at the International School of Stuttgart. It was a time of immense grief and transition, but my commitment to Galazio was stronger than ever.
It’s been my honor ever since—with my wife by my side, and today, the two of us raising three kids of our own.
At Galazio, we are guided by five core values:
- Food – prepared with only the finest ingredients like extra virgin olive oil, authentic Greek feta, and mountain oregano.
- Service – warm, friendly, and professional.
- Atmosphere – welcoming, comfortable, and authentic.
- Cleanliness – a spotless environment that reflects our respect for our guests.
- Professionalism – in every detail, from the kitchen to the table.
We’re honored to share our heritage with you and welcome you as part of the Galazio family.
With gratitude,
The Gressis Family