From challenges to triumph: the Nostos Catering journey

In times of crisis, true entrepreneurship shines through the ability to see beyond obstacles and recognise opportunities. Nostos, an award-winning Greek restaurant in Brighton & Hove, is an example of this spirit.

Renowned for its authentic Mediterranean cuisine and warm Greek hospitality, Nostos has not only built a strong community presence but also adapted to challenges in ways that have driven new successes. One of the standout stories of Nostos is the birth and growth of its catering services — a journey that began amidst uncertainty but quickly evolved into a celebrated pillar of the business.

The origin story: finding opportunity in adversity

The hospitality industry faced one of its toughest challenges with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, forcing restaurants, cafes, and hotels to rethink their business models overnight. For Nostos, the pandemic brought an existential threat, with lockdowns and restrictions pushing the restaurant to the brink. But rather than seeing this as an end, Kyriakos Baxevanis, the co-founder and Managing Director of Nostos, saw it as an opportunity to pivot and expand.

The turning point came in the form of a request from Lewes FC — a local football club that needed catering services for their historic semi-final cup game with Manchester United. This request sparked a new idea: why not bring Nostos’ beloved cuisine beyond the restaurant’s walls? The catering gig for Lewes FC became the first step in this new direction. It was a modest start, but it showed Kyriakos that there was a demand for high-quality, authentic Greek food at events. Combining this with his belief that adversity could be a catalyst for growth if approached with the right mindset, led to the birth of Nostos Catering. Initial success, coupled with community support, laid the foundation for what would become a thriving catering arm of the business.

Evolving the concept: the launch and growth of Nostos Catering

After the initial success with Lewes FC, Kyriakos and his team realised that there was significant potential in expanding into catering. The concept of Nostos Catering was developed as a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) — a way to test the waters, gather feedback and refine the offering based on real-world experiences. This agile approach allowed the team to learn quickly and adapt to the needs of the community.

The response was overwhelmingly positive. The team at Nostos found that their authentic Mediterranean cuisine, combined with their passion for hospitality, resonated deeply with clients looking for something unique for their events. From small gatherings to larger celebrations, Nostos Catering became a go-to choice for those wanting to bring a taste of Greece to their occasions.

Within just 18 months, Nostos Catering had served over 200 clients, providing meals for weddings, private parties, corporate events, and community gatherings. This rapid growth was a testament to the quality of the food, the dedication of the team, and the agility with which Nostos adapted to the changing landscape.

Embracing community: serving the heart of Brighton

Community has always been at the heart of Nostos, and this ethos extended naturally to the catering service. Nostos Catering wasn’t just about providing food; it was about creating connections and supporting the local community, using the catering service as a vehicle for good — to give back and make a positive impact.

One of the ways Nostos achieved this was through collaborations with local charities such as Age UK, Together Co, Rockinghorse, Prept Foundation, The Choir With No Name, and others. These collaborations highlighted Nostos’ commitment to using food as a means of fostering community and combating social isolation. By embracing community engagement, Nostos Catering became more than just a business venture; it became a way to strengthen the bonds between people in Brighton & Hove, reflecting Kyriakos’ belief that food has the power to bring people together and create lasting connections.

Milestones: serving iconic venues

The growth of Nostos Catering was marked by several significant milestones that solidified its reputation as a premier catering service in Brighton & Hove. One of the most notable achievements was being selected to cater events at two of Brighton’s most iconic venues — The Dome and the Royal Pavilion. These venues, known for their grandeur and historical significance, provided the perfect backdrop for Nostos’ high-quality Greek cuisine.

Catering at The Dome and the Royal Pavilion was not without its challenges. The scale of these events required meticulous planning, coordination, and execution. But the Nostos team rose to the occasion, delivering exceptional service and receiving glowing feedback from clients and guests. These milestones were not just about business success; they were about showcasing the capability and commitment of the Nostos team to deliver excellence, no matter the scale of the event.

The mindset of an entrepreneur: agility, resilience, and growth

At the core of Nostos Catering’s success is the mindset that has driven Kyriakos and his team from the beginning — a mindset defined by agility, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to growth. The decision to pivot and expand to catering was not just about survival; it was about seizing an opportunity to evolve. This belief in finding hidden opportunities amidst adversity is what propelled Nostos forward alongside the agility to adapt, the willingness to take risks, and the resilience to overcome setbacks. Ultimately, Nostos Catering is more than just a business — it’s a reflection of the values that Kyriakos holds dear: quality, community and a belief in the power of food to create connections.

Looking ahead: the Future of Nostos Catering

The journey, of course, is far from over. Looking ahead, Kyriakos and his team have ambitious plans for the future. One of the key goals is to establish Nostos Catering as a standalone entity — Nostos Catering UK — with a dedicated focus on B2B and B2B2C markets. This expansion will allow Nostos to serve a wider audience, offering high-quality catering services to corporate clients, community organisations and private events across Sussex.

Nostos is also excited to announce a new endeavour: a partnership with the prestigious Laine Pub Company in the form of taking over the kitchen of the ‘Inn On The Square’ pub, well-known for its welcoming atmosphere and central position in the heart of Brighton. This partnership represents a significant expansion of Nostos’ culinary offerings, bringing their authentic Greek cuisine to a new audience in a popular and vibrant location. This move will not only diversify Nostos’ business model but also strengthen their presence in the Brighton hospitality scene.

In addition to geographic expansion, Nostos aims to continue its commitment to community engagement and social responsibility. The team plans to strengthen partnerships with local charities, increase their involvement in community events, and explore new ways to use food as a tool for positive change. Sustainability will also be a key focus, with plans to further reduce waste, use locally sourced ingredients, and promote eco-friendly practices in all aspects of the catering business.

As Nostos looks to the future, the focus will remain on growth, community impact and the pursuit of excellence. For those in the business and entrepreneurial world, the journey of Nostos Catering serves as an inspiring reminder that with the right mindset, any challenge can be transformed into a triumph.

www.nostos-hove.co.uk