Life & Work with Giorgios Bakatsias

Today we’d like to introduce you to Giorgios Bakatsias.

Hi Giorgios, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers. 
For over 30 years, Giorgios Hospitality Group (GHG) has been part of creating joyful experiences, which has been an enormous gift for us. 

Owner Giorgios Bakatsias’ inspiration is rooted in his first childhood memories in Greece, during the Celebration of Panagia- the entire village community coming together at the Piazza (center) for a large festival of celebration of music and dancing. 

“Celebration, something we have taken joy in since the beginning of our company, has always been a key component in the design of each of GHG location- from the luxury of weddings, corporate events, galas, and theatrical celebrations, to ethnic expressions such as our annual Greek Night at Parizade,” says Bakatsias. 

The space that is now Aria Events and Catering offered us an opportunity to have a venue with the focus on creating moments of celebration, with an emphasis on weddings- the highest peak for union and rejoicing. 

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
“We must have one experience to have the other; otherwise, life cannot exist. All layers of experience, whether you consider them ‘smooth’ or a ‘struggle,’ contribute to the magic of life”, states Bakatsias. 

Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Opening an event venue is an exciting vision for Giorgios Hospitality Group (GHG). “Our company has always had a great interest in creating a special space for celebrations and artistic endeavors while upholding our high standards of hospitality and service. We are thrilled to offer this incredible venue to the community, with a focus on weddings, corporate events, dinner theater, and charity work,” states Bakatsias. GHG will serve as the exclusive caterer for Aria Events and Catering. 

Bakatsias’ longtime love of the arts and event hosting is most well-known at GHG’s 30-year-old, highly acclaimed Parizade in Durham, renowned for its theatrical décor, private events, and off-site catering services. Igor Gacina, General Manager of Parizade and 2023 NCLRA Manager of the Year will oversee operations for Aria Events and Catering, while Jason Lawless, Executive Chef of Parizade and partner to recently opened Krill in Durham, will oversee the menu, extending Parizade’s extensive event and culinary expertise to Aria’s launch. 

Giorgios Hospitality Group – founded by one of the most prolific restaurateurs in North Carolina, a James Beard Foundation “Outstanding Restaurateur” nominee and 2022 NCRLA named “Restaurateur of the Year,” Giorgios Bakatsias founded the 30-year-old Mediterranean flagship restaurant Parizade, 20-year old French bistro Vin Rouge, neighborhood gastropub Local 22 Kitchen & Bar, Nasher Museum Café, Wake Forest’s Gatehouse Tavern and Farm Table, garden restaurant Rosewater Kitchen & Bar, as well as new 2023 Raleigh additions to GHG, Giorgio Pizza Bar, Las Ramblas Tapas in Raleigh’s North Hills and East End Bistrot near Five Points, Chapel Hill’s signature steakhouse, Bin 54 Steak & Cellar, authentic Greek Kipos Greek Taverna, Italian trattoria Osteria Georgi, Asian-inspired Krill in Durham, and Kipos Hellenic Cuisine in Wilmington, NC. GHG recently announced openings for NIKOS in Durham, as well as G Prime and Commodore Club in Wilmington, NC. 

What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
The hospitality industry is heading toward a technical way of running everything. 

For our company, we strive to continue creating joyful experiences and offering nourishment to guests. Moving into the future, it is more important than ever for GHG to continue connecting with and serving the community on an individual level and to have a higher sensitivity toward health and humanity. As our core values state- “One guest, one plate at a time.” 

Contact Info:

• Website: www.ariaeventsdurham.com, www.giorgiosgroup.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/ariaeventsdurham
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/ariaeventsdurham
• Other: www.giorgiosgroup.com

Image Credits
Catherne Nguen Photography
Faraneh photography