04/03/2002
Ouzo’s Greek and Regional Cuisine Opens in La Plata
In 2002, the Gressis family, Joe, Dennis, Asimina, Petros, and Stella, opened Ouzo’s Greek and Regional Cuisine in La Plata, Maryland.
Built on family recipes, hard work, and a love for hospitality, Ouzo’s introduced the community to authentic Greek cooking in a small-town, family-run setting. Before opening the restaurant, the Gressis family had already spent years in the food business, catering local events, cooking for private gatherings, and operating the summer snack bar at Smallwood Village Pool.
What began as a small restaurant quickly became a local gathering place known for Greek food, friendly service, and a welcoming family atmosphere.
2006
Expansion
Growing With the Community
As Ouzo’s grew, so did its connection to the community. Through long hours, loyal guests, and the dedication of the entire family and staff, the restaurant expanded into the adjacent space.
The expansion allowed for a larger dining room, more kitchen space, and live entertainment, giving guests more room to enjoy the food, music, and atmosphere that had become part of the restaurant’s identity.
2010
The Brick Oven Chapter Begins
In 2010, the Gressis family brought a wood-fired brick oven into Ouzo’s, adding a new dimension to the restaurant’s Greek and regional menu.
What started as a family project became one of the restaurant’s most memorable additions. The oven introduced La Plata to wood-fired brick oven pizza made with the same hands-on approach, hospitality, and attention to detail that had defined Ouzo’s from the beginning.
The brick oven became part of the restaurant’s identity and helped shape the next chapter of the family’s food story.
2013
Ouzo’s Becomes Galazio Restaurant
In 2013, the family moved to the former Pizza Hut building in La Plata and remodeled the space.
With the move came a new name: Galazio Restaurant.
The rebrand honored the restaurant’s Greek roots while giving the business a fresh identity for its next chapter. Galazio continued the family tradition of Greek and Mediterranean cooking while expanding its role as a full-service restaurant for La Plata and Southern Maryland.