Latest News | Ergon
During the lockdown, Ergon Foods shifted from the brick and mortar model to an online delivery and e-shop service.
Ergon has been serving daily the residents of the city of Athens and Thessaloniki, allowing them to shop from the butcher shop, the grocery store, the fish shop, and its liquor store as if they were physically there. Also, the company launched the “DIY Meal Kit”, a home-delivered, custom made box, including all the necessary material to prepare a meal of the customer’s choice.
Finally, ERGON House, the first Foodie Hotel in the world, received a MichelinPlate and has been included for the first time in Michelin Guide Main Cities Europe for the year 2020.
Interview | Thomas Douzis, founder & CEO
Describe what makes your company unique
Flexibility and adaptability. Ergon started as a range of Greek artisanal products and has evolved to a leading network of more than 20 food-related retail and hospitality concepts which include delis, restaurants and hotels throughout Greece, UK, Belgium and Cyprus.
Point out one of your biggest challenges or proudest moments
The opening of our flagship store and the first foodie hotel in the world, The ERGON House Athens. ERGON House sums up what we have achieved so far as a team. A great place to discover our deli products, a hotel and a rooftop bar with a breath-taking view of Acropolis.
Share a memorable story as a member of the Endeavor Network
I have two similar memorable stories. I was sitting next to Linda at an event in Athens and she asked me who you would like to meet most and discuss about ERGON. After a couple of minutes, I found myself exchanging lots of e-mails with the guy I just mentioned!
Describe what being an Entrepreneur means to you
It is pretty much a way of living. All day, every day. It is a passion for creation by putting together yours and your team’ s effort.
How is your vision different today, compared to when you started the company?
Don’ t be afraid of change. Change as many times it takes to achieve your goal.
What are the three traits of the ideal employee for you?
Creativity. Adaptability. Kindness.
Ergon joined the Endeavor network in 2014
Ergon promotes Greek gastronomy around the world since 2008. Its portfolio includes 1,200 food products in total along with another 600 branded premium quality products offered in partnership with 150 Greek independent producers. Ergon has also created concept stores, that serve both as selling points for the products as well as eateries with a signature menu by renowned chef Dimitris Skarmoutsos designed with respect to tradition and nutritional value. London has been the first stop abroad since 2014, and now serves 4,500 customers monthly. In 2015, a concept store named Ergon Agora opened in Thessaloniki which includes a restaurant, coffee shop, deli, butchery, bakery, grocery, fish market and wine shop, offering a great variety of Greek products.