In the taste landscape of Thessaloniki, this family business stands out both for its authentic cuisine and for its impressive social media presence.
Through viral videos and inspired culinary creations, Mavri Thalassa restaurant successfully combines 100 years of tradition with modern digital strategy!
The taste of the new tradition and the viral lobster
When Sonia Margaritou and Alexandros Tokidis took over the entire management of the business in 1984, their first concern was maintaining quality. Their philosophy remains the same: priority to the raw material, which can be seen in the excellent seafood dishes, such as Thermaikos shrimp.
However, the evolution of the Mavri Thalassa was not limited to the kitchen. Their son Giorgos took the initiative to bring the restaurant experience to our screens through social media.
"We were hesitant at first," admits Alexandros, "but Giorgos showed us that our authenticity and passion can go viral."
The first video to go viral? A video that explained the difference between male and female lobster!
"Suddenly, everyone was talking to us about it," Sonia says with a laugh.
Since then, social media's success has opened up new avenues for the restaurant, with hundreds of followers watching their creations every day. Mrs. Sonia and Mr. Alekos, as they are called in the videos, have now become stars (without even having to go to "MasterChef").
"Our restaurant already had a reputation, it was quite well known in the city and to some people in the rest of the country, who visited us every time they came to Thessaloniki. But with videos, we have opened our circle and influenced even more.
"Now, we are watched by people literally from all over the world, many of whom visit us and ask to take a photo or video with us. Social media allowed us to get in touch with a world that would have gotten to know us much more difficult or much later."
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