Providence is known for its vibrant food scene, and nestled within it is a gem that locals cherish: Hope Street Pizza. More than just a pizzeria, it’s a story of family, passion, and a commitment to fresh, wholesome food. Owned and operated by the dynamic duo, Saki Meltsakos and Lena Zafiriades, Hope Street Pizza embodies the spirit of community and authentic Greek-American hospitality.
Their story is as heartwarming as their pizza is delicious. Saki and Lena’s connection dates back to their childhoods in Greece. Lena, a first-generation American, would visit her mother’s village where young Saki resided. Childhood playdates turned into a serendipitous adult reconnection when they both visited the village years later. “The rest is history,” Saki fondly recounts, a testament to their enduring bond.
Saki’s journey into the culinary world began early. Under the tutelage of his mother, he started baking at the tender age of six. Necessity became his teacher when, at twelve, he had to live alone to attend school in the mountains. Cooking for himself honed his skills, a foundation he now expertly utilizes at Hope Street Pizza. He is the culinary mastermind behind all the recipes, still overseeing every dish prepared in his kitchen. Despite having a team of 17, many of whom are long-term employees, Saki’s personal touch remains, as he still crafts signature items like the organic bean soup himself.
Lena, while deeply involved in Hope Street Pizza, also brings her own unique perspective. Growing up in a restaurant family – her parents have owned Town Pizza in Riverside since the 1970s – she initially envisioned a different path. However, fate, and perhaps Saki’s passion, drew her into the family business. “One of us is always here,” Lena explains, emphasizing their commitment to their clientele. “Our customers are so close to us that they expect to see our faces.” Her background isn’t just in restaurants; Lena is also pursuing graduate studies in clinical social work, showcasing her dedication to both community and personal growth. “We’ve been in business together since day one,” she asserts, highlighting their equal partnership, a key ingredient to their success.
Saki’s American journey began in the late 1990s, and naturally, he found himself working at Lena’s family’s Town Pizza. Lena notes, “That’s where he learned the ins and outs.” The bustling environment of Town Pizza prepared Saki for the fast-paced restaurant world, making him unfazed by rush hours and busy crowds. This experience proved invaluable when they embarked on their own venture.
Opening Hope Street Pizza in 1998 wasn’t without its challenges. While Saki juggled cooking at Town Pizza and physically building Hope Street Pizza, they faced the initial hurdle of gaining local recognition. “We lived day by day,” Saki remembers, reflecting on the early days. They listened closely to their customers, adapting their menu to meet the growing demand for healthier options. This responsiveness, coupled with word-of-mouth praise, gradually established Hope Street Pizza as a neighborhood favorite.
Lena emphasizes their advantage as an independent, family-run establishment. Unlike franchises, they pride themselves on flexibility and personalized service, happily accommodating special requests and unusual orders. This customer-centric approach fosters strong loyalty.
During the interview, a regular customer walked in, enthusiastically praising the food as “fresh, natural and wholesome,” and highlighting the exceptional service and welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere. For Lena, these genuine expressions of customer satisfaction are the most rewarding part of owning Hope Street Pizza.
Saki also values the loyal customer base they’ve cultivated. He recounts the wisdom shared by the late Saul Spitz, an early patron, who advised against delivery, stating, “If you believe in yourself, people will come to you.” This advice resonated deeply with Saki, shaping their business philosophy. To this day, Hope Street Pizza stands by its commitment to quality and in-house dining, trusting that their dedication will continue to draw in pizza lovers from Providence and beyond. Visit Hope Street Pizza and experience the warmth, flavor, and family spirit that makes it a true Providence treasure.
