Even though April 23 is the date of the official grand opening of Nick the Greek, reader Annie says the doors were open last Friday. Not sure if they still are. Here is a message to you from the restaurant:

Santa Barbara’s food scene is about to get even better with the grand opening of the area’s newest restaurant, Nick the Greek. The restaurant, known for its mouthwatering pitas, traditional plates, fresh salads and sides, and delicious desserts, will open its doors to the public on Tuesday, April 23. The new store is located at 508 State St Santa Barbara, CA 93101.

In honor of the grand opening, the restaurant will offer free lunch for all patrons from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., inviting the Santa Barbara community to experience Nick the Greek’s authentic Greek fare for themselves. To participate, guests simply arrive during the allotted time, and can enjoy one complimentary entree per person, including options like Nick the Greek’s beloved Gyros and Souvlakis.

Nick the Greek was founded in 2014 in Northern California by three cousins – Big Nick, Little Nick and Baby Nick – and has since expanded to include outposts in Nevada, Arizona, Utah, Kansas, Texas, and Missouri. Santa Barbara follows closely behind the brand’s recent opening in Fair Oaks, marking an exciting period of expansion of the brand’s presence in California.