Everyone's favourite gyros slingers are heading to Leeds city centre at long last and we're absolutely buzzing our pittas off.
ThatZiki has today announced plans for a new permanent residence at Trinity Kitchen, set to open in just a few weeks' time.
And they've teased a big giveaway to celebrate their arrival into the city centre too.
They'll be bringing their wildly popular Greek street food into Leeds, taking over what was previously the home of Absurd Bird.
ThatZiki was first launched in 2022 by brothers Jack and Luke Newton, and has grown from a modest food truck to a much bigger enterprise.
They have sites in Chorlton and Salford Quays over in Greater Manchester, plus a kitchen in Warrington, and previously had a delivery kitchen in Leeds.
Set to open at the end of July, the new ThatZiki site will serve up its famous gyros with a range of fillings, from 24-hour marinaded chicken and pork to grilled halloumi plus a vegan option.
ThatZiki will open at Trinity Kitchen in Leeds. Credit: SuppliedThatZiki's famous gyros are also available as boxes. Credit: The Hoot Leeds
The gyros are also available in a box, and topped with a choice of homemade house sauce, tzatziki, or sriracha chilli or mayo.
Sides include loaded fries, feta fries, pita and hummus.
As part of the launch event, ThatZiki will give away 50 free gyros plus free Greek soft drinks, with details to be announced via their social media.
Jack said: “We’re so proud of what we’ve achieved in just a couple of years – from saving up for the food truck to now launching our fourth venue, we couldn’t be happier. We wouldn’t be here without the support of our amazing, loyal customers, and our friends and family. Their positive feedback and encouragement has meant the world.
“It’s a big step opening in such a major shopping centre in the heart of Leeds, working alongside big names but it’s all part of our plan to become the biggest and best Greek food business.
How the new ThatZiki Leeds will look
“What sets us apart is our food – we make our tzatziki from scratch every day, marinate our chicken and pork in our own secret marinade based on traditional recipes from Greece, and make our sauces in-house using proper halloumi from Cyprus and pita breads from Athens.
“We can’t wait to bring ThatZiki to Leeds and give even more people the chance to try our food. Yamas!”
ThatZiki owners, brothers Luke and Jack Newton
Josie Towning, Food and Beverage Manager at Trinity Leeds, said: “We’ve been waiting for something special to join our incredible line-up at Trinity Kitchen, and ThatZiki is the perfect fit. The team is so passionate about what they do and their incredible food already has quite the following, so we can’t wait for people in Leeds to enjoy it too!”
The new arrivals will be trading alongside permanent eateries including Archie’s, Pho, Rola Wala, Tortilla, Pizzaluxe and Doner Shack.
A popular restaurant chain has closed permanently in Leeds city centre.
Popular pizzeria Franco Manca has closed its Leeds restaurant.
The chain was famed for its relaxed atmosphere, quick service and affordable sourdough Neapolitan pizzas that were on offer for as little as a fiver.
The chain occupied the site on the outskirts of Trinity Shopping Centre on Trinity Street, next door to Itsu and overlooking the back entrance of Marks and Spencer.
Hoardings have now gone up, signifying the site is now empty and Franco Manca has permanently closed.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
This can also be seen on Google when searching for the restaurant branch.
It was announced earlier this year that a number of Franco Manca's restaurants would be closing across the country.
This was down to a reconstructing plan approved by creditors for the chain. The brand said it had been knocked by “disproportionately high” UK taxes and a lack of business rates relief for hospitality.
Marcel Khan, chief executive of parent firm Fulham Shore, said at the time: “We are grateful for the support shown by our creditors today.
“Franco Manca is a fantastic brand with a strong heritage and loyal customer base. With this agreement in place, we will put the business back on a firm footing and press ahead with strengthening our customer offer and performance.”
The Leeds brand was not included in the initial list of restaurant closing, but it seems further closures were made.
Miami-inspired Leeds bodega to open second site in Horsforth following huge success of first
Clementine Hall
A sandwich shop in Leeds is expanding to the suburbs.
Famed for it’s toasted Cuban sandwiches, stacked subs and loaded breakfast bagels - Alfonsos Deli has made a name for itself for serving some of the best sandwiches around the city.
Such a good reputation in fact, that they’ve just announced a second location over in the leafy suburb of Horsforth. Get in.
Currently, you'll find Alfonso's in the Grand Arcade where their light-filled and airy space is slinging out sandwiches non-stop until sell-out.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
It's not just sandwiches, though. They're also serving up fantastic Cuban coffee, beer and even Cuban cigars.
Basically, it's everything you'd expect to find in a deli in Miami.
The team shared the news of the expansion on social media, confirming that a brand-new Horsforth site is on the way.
While an official opening date is yet to be revealed, the announcement has already sparked plenty of excitement among loyal customers, many of whom have been calling for a second location since the deli first opened.
Alfonso's has built a devoted following in Leeds, with its signature Cubano sandwich becoming a firm favourite, while its breakfast bagels draw queues of hungover punters through the doors.
The move to Horsforth marks the next chapter for the independent business, bringing its popular menu to a whole new neighbourhood. And they're in fantastic company too, in a suburb that is flourishing with independent local businesses.
If the success of the Grand Arcade site is anything to go by, the new deli is likely to be just as busy from day one. More details, including an opening date and the full menu, are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
Good luck to the team, we can't wait to check it out.
Daisy Jackson -
2nd July 2024 
