Ellenos Real Greek Yogurt
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Food production |
| Founded | July 1, 2013 in Seattle, Washington, United States |
| Founder | Bob Klein, Con Apostolopoulos |
| Headquarters | Federal Way , United States |
Area served | Seattle metropolitan area |
| Products | Greek-style yogurt |
Number of employees | 150 (2020) |
Ellenos Real Greek Yogurt is a yogurt brand that originated at Pike Place Market in Washington.
Description
This company specializes in Greek-style yogurt, offering varieties such as blueberry, lemon curd, marionberry, raspberry, and a seasonal pumpkin pie flavor. Their yogurt is complemented by toppings and fruits that are entirely natural. Apart from operating a small stall within the Corner Market building at Pike Place Market, Ellenos products are also available at multiple farmers' market locations, Uwajimaya outlets in both Bellevue and Seattle's Chinatown-International District, as well as the Beecher's Handmade Cheese shop located inside Seattle–Tacoma International Airport.
History
Ellenos was established in July 2013 by co-founders Bob Klein and Con Apostolopoulos at Pike Place Market. Initially, yogurt production took place at a retail location in Seattle’s Georgetown area. Shortly after opening, the Historic Commission temporarily halted Ellenos’ operations due to selling items in a zone designated for produce; however, service resumed by August. In 2016, Whole Foods Market extended a loan to Ellenos that facilitated the acquisition of equipment aimed at increasing production capacity.
In 2018, Monogram Capital Partners invested $18 million to expand operations within a 60,000-square-foot facility based in Federal Way. By February 2020, the workforce had grown to roughly 150 employees. That same year, Daniel Lubetzky announced an $18 million investment to further scale Ellenos' production capabilities and workforce with the goal of broadening its market presence.
Reception
Fodor's has recognized Ellenos for delivering what may be the most visually striking and highest quality yogurt in both the city and potentially nationwide. Sonja Groset included Ellenos in Eater Seattle's 2015 feature titled "Guide to the Best Cheap Eats at Pike Place Market." In 2016, Rachel Belle of The Stranger praised Ellenos’ Greek yogurt for its exceptionally creamy and smooth texture, attributing it to a "traditional family recipe." Naomi Tomky named Ellenos among Thrillist's 2020 compilation of "The 27 Most Essential Seattle Food Experiences."