MEET THE OWNERS: Phil Hanos and Jimmy Nitsolas of Urban Kitchen in Wilmington, Delaware
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We sat down with Owners’ Phil Hanos and Jimmy Nitsolas of Urban Kitchen in Wilmington, Delaware. The Urban Kitchen menu offers something for everyone and provides a dining experience that is relaxing and memorable.
Urban Kitchen in Wilmington, Delaware
Breakfast, lunch and dinner is their specialty. Did we mention cocktails and to-go dinner boxes?
Where did you grow up and where have you traveled to that contributed to you opening your own restaurant?
Phil was born and raised in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. His parents immigrated from Greece, and throughout his childhood, he would travel to Greece to spend time with his extended family. Jimmy was born and raised in Andros, Greece; he came to this country at the age of nineteen. As of result of their Greek background, the Mediterranean base has been the influence in opening Urban Kitchen. Fun and friendly is how we described our ambiance and atmosphere, inspired by a Greek café/restaurant.
Urban Kitchen in Wilmington, Delaware
Tell our readers an interesting fact or two about yourself that reflects your management style?
Phil and Jimmy have both worked in this industry for over 40 years combined. Our main ingredient is to lead like a family. Every member of the team is viewed as and treated like a family member. It is typical to see both hands-on with the daily operations of Urban Kitchen, working side by side with the team.
Tell us about your absolute favorite food and why readers should try it if they haven’t already.
Phil’s favorite food is traditional chicken parmesan; for Jimmy, it is fish and chips.
Urban Kitchen in Wilmington, Delaware
Can you walk us through your experience in developing and maintaining a “strong team dynamic” among restaurant staff?
The key to success is strong teamwork; this starts from the top. Our core belief is to work together as a team and have fun while doing so. As a result, it is important for us to have team building events outside of work, so we connect with each other on a personal level. This builds trust and respect for every member. In addition, it is important that our employees have holidays and time off to enjoy themselves. In this industry too many people get overworked and there is no holiday time; as a result, they get burned out. For this reason, holidays means being off for our team.
In your opinion, what factors contribute to excellent customer service?
Excellent customer service is quite simple. Be friendly and courteous to the customers, enjoy what you are doing as a job, do not take things personally when at times things do not go as planned, resolve an issue quickly to meet customers’ needs. I have learned that when we are busy, everything works like a well-oiled machine. We need to be careful when business is slower – that’s when mistakes happen the most.
Urban Kitchen in Wilmington, Delaware
What are 3 key characteristics you look for when hiring staff?
When looking to hire a team member, the three traits we look for are customer-service mindset, eager to learn and improve, and desire to be part of a team.
What is one of your greatest accomplishments or awards you've earned?
Regarding accomplishments, we were operating another local restaurant in Delaware for 18 years, and we moved on from there for personal reasons. We designed, built, created, and brought Urban Kitchen to life in 2022. When we first opened Urban Kitchen, we did not know what to expect. Our customers and supporters have made our restaurant launch a strong success. Recently, Urban Kitchen earned the award of ‘Best Diner’ in Wilmington’s Community Choice Awards.
Urban Kitchen in Wilmington, Delaware
What are some of the latest trends you’re seeing in the hospitality industry?
The latest trends we are seeing in the industry: keep things simple with a smaller menu, incorporate mobile apps that are user friendly to order, and create a casual, yet fun ambiance.
What’s your favorite go-to cocktail, wine, beer, or beverage of choice?
Phil’s go-to drink is a pint of draft beer - preferably a light beer; Jimmy’s go-to drink is margarita with salt on the rim.
Urban Kitchen in Wilmington, Delaware
What do you love about being the Owners’ of Union Kitchen in Wilmington, Delaware?
The best part of being the owners of Urban Kitchen has been creating a team that is dedicated in providing excellent service to our customers and community. The friendships and connections we have made with our customers are ones that we will treasure for a lifetime.
Urban Kitchen in Wilmington, Delaware
Note: This information was accurate when this article was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
