Daphne's Greek Cafe or, Daphne's California Greek, is an American fast-casual Greek restaurant operating in California. The restaurant name refers to Daphne of Greek mythology whom the god Apollo desired.
Daphne's was rated #11 in 2006 Top 100 Movers and Shakers in the Fast Casual magazine. "Named after the Greek symbol for excellence, Daphne’s Greek Café is a trendsetter in fast casual. The 70-unit chain recently implemented an English-speaking course for its employees. Throw in the best chain gyros and you’ve got one heckuva restaurant." Daphne's was voted Best Greek in the June 2008 issue of San Diego Magazine.[3]
History
Daphne's Greek Cafe was founded by George Katakalidis in 1991. The chain entered bankruptcy in January 2010.[4] It had 60 locations throughout Arizona and California and was purchased out of bankruptcy by an investor group headed by William Trefethen. In 2011, Daphne's name changed to Daphne's California Greek with a new concept that has been characterized as: a “hybrid” of California-meets-Greek cuisine, with an emphasis on freshness.[5]