Forty Under 40

Elias Theodossiou, owner, EVOO Greek Kitchen and Mati restaurant

June 21, 2019

Editor's Note

Each year, OBJ and the Ottawa Board of Trade choose 40 of the region’s top young entrepreneurs and business executives and recognize them for their professional achievements, expertise and community service.

In these profiles, OBJ highlights some of this year’s recipients – their impressive accomplishments, what drives them and how they like to spend their downtime away from the business world.
See the full list of recipient profiles here and be sure to check out photos of the 2019 gala here.

2019-06-21

Education: Confederation High School

Biggest business achievement: Developing a strong management team, culture and processes at EVOO so I could focus on building a new brand and restaurant at Mati. This required about six months away from EVOO to achieve this.

Biggest obstacle overcome: Building and operating two successful restaurants while continuously battling Crohn’s disease.

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Commissionaires marching in front of the Georgia Hotel in Vancouver, BC, 1943

Celebrating 100 Years

The Canadian Corps of Commissionaires (Commissionaires) is proudly marking 100 years of dedicated service. Established on July 25, 1925, Commissionaires has played a vital role in providing meaningful employment to

Revolutionizing office spaces with smart design

Let’s face it: technology is rarely on our side. Phone not working? Have you tried turning it off and then on again? Whenever we need our devices to work the

Biggest influence: My father. All the countless sacrifices he made for us allowed our family to live easier and happier.

Most important lesson I’ve learned in business: The importance of establishing key internal processes at the onset of opening a business. At first, my main focus was on customer satisfaction (experience, quality food, etc.) and not necessarily the back office of the business.

First job: Busboy and dishwasher at Rockwell’s restaurant

Favourite pastime: Watching my son play hockey.

I’m currently reading: It Doesn’t Have to Be Crazy at Work by David Heinemeier Hansson and Jason Fried

Favourite movie: 300

Favourite Ottawa sports team: Ottawa Senators

Favourite local summer event: Canada Day