Jake and Telly's Greek Taverna

In 1997, brothers Telly and Jake Topakas moved to Colorado from Philadelphia and opened Jake and Telly’s Greek Taverna, then simply known as Jake and Telly's Bar and Grill. Though at the time the brothers were relatively young, they were third generation restaurateurs and had gathered much second hand experience and knowledge from their father, uncle, and grandfather about the restaurant business.

They soon noticed that many of their customers were enjoying the Greek specials they were offering over the standard American-style menu items and thus began the transition from a bar and grill to the only full-service Greek restaurant in Colorado Springs.

A few years into the business, Telly and Jake became interested in carrying a better variety of Greek wines and began educating themselves about wine and food pairings in general.