Gyro. The pronunciation of the word has long been debated. Is it yee-row, jee-row, zhee-row, or some other version of that with a twist based on where you’re from? For Mena Mekaiel, owner of Gyro House on the east side of Owensboro, the pronunciation debate takes a back seat to a more pressing concern: attracting customers to his Mediterranean cuisine establishment.
Since its launch in 2021, Gyro House (4551 Spring Hill Drive) has been an extension of Mekaiel’s Elizabethtown location. While business initially thrived, recent months have seen a decline in foot traffic. Situated just beyond the local Dollar General and before Franey’s on KY 54, Mekaiel believes many potential patrons simply aren’t aware of the restaurant’s presence.
“I think some people don’t know we’re out here,” Mekaiel lamented. “My neighbors and I also hear that it’s too far.”
The menu at Gyro House prominently features the traditional gyro, showcasing options such as fresh lamb on a vertical rotisserie or grilled chicken. Beyond gyros, the restaurant offers an array of platters consisting of rice, a side salad, feta cheese, pita bread, and a choice of proteins ranging from lamb and chicken to steak shawarma, grilled shrimp, and falafel.
“We make everything fresh and prepare our salads in-house,” Mekaiel emphasized. “We also have several lunch specials, and we’re offering a deal where you get one for free when you buy three sandwiches or three platters.”
For families, Gyro House provides kid-friendly options like chicken nuggets with fries. The appetizer selection boasts wings, hummus, grape leaf rolls, and mozzarella sticks alongside the beloved Baklava pastry.
Gyro House offers dine-in, carry-out, and drive-thru services to accommodate varied dining preferences. Additionally, the restaurant is accessible via popular delivery platforms such as DoorDash and Grubhub, reflecting Mekaiel’s commitment to catering to diverse customer needs.
Despite recent challenges, Mekaiel remains optimistic about Gyro House’s future. With near 5-star ratings on Google for both Owensboro and Elizabethtown locations, he’s grateful for loyal patrons but hopes for increased community support to sustain operations.
“We’re not ready to close,” Mekaiel affirmed. “We just need some more support. We have several regulars, and we’re thankful for that.”
As the debate over pronunciation continues to swirl, Mekaiel’s focus remains clear: welcoming more diners through Gyro House’s doors to savor the flavors of the Mediterranean and experience the warmth of his hospitality firsthand.
