Go Greek Yogurt brings the Mediterranean lifestyle to Miami, one creamy swirl at a time. From serving celebrities in Beverly Hills to opening a new location in Coconut Grove, Go Greek has had a fascinating journey.
The moment you step into Go Greek, sunlight bounces off white marble counters, the faint scent of honey lingers in the air, and every detail, from the soft blue accents to the Greek homage on the walls, transports you across the Aegean.
Behind the sleek design and glowing counter lies a story rooted in authenticity. The concept was born more than a decade ago in Beverly Hills, when founder Johnathan Williams, a native of Crete, dreamed of introducing Americans to the traditional Greek yogurt bat, a staple of European life but virtually uncommon in the U.S.
Started with a Dream
Before joining Go Greek, Johnathan Patarkatsi had already carved his own path as an entrepreneur with a passion for health and wellness. A New York native with Eastern European roots, he grew up in a family that prioritized clean eating long before it became mainstream.
“My sister and I were the kids at school that you know everyone thought had weird lunches and the weird drinks,” he said.
That early curiosity evolved into a lifelong pursuit that led him to study entrepreneurship and economics at NYU. From there, he launched a series of brands centered around healthy eating. His experiences in the wellness industry laid the perfect foundation for his next venture. The partnership with Go Greek Yogurt, where
his passion for mindful living found a home in every spoonful.
That dream took off. Go Greek quickly became a California favorite, known for yogurt that’s not just Greek-style but actually shipped from Greece. Now, Miami gets its own taste of the Mediterranean, the brand’s first Florida location, serving as both a cafe and a cultural escape.
“People ask us all the time why we still ship our yogurt from Greece,” Patarkatsi says. “But it really just is unmatched quality, and you know we are very committed to our initial goal of really bringing Greece to America and giving people that escape to Greece regardless of you know regardless of your location.”
Deliciously Unique
Go Greek is not your average froyo spot. Their yogurt is available in Pain Tart, Greek Honey, Chocolate, or their rotating flavors, made using old-world methods that give it its signature thick, velvety texture. Even the toppings tell a story: wildflower honey from Crete, roasted nuts, chia seeds, seasonal fruits that add color, flavor, and crunch, and your well-known candies.
As someone with Greek heritage and having tasted all the House Frozen Yogurt flavors, I can confidently say that each spoonful feels like a trip back to the islands. My personal favorite flavor is the Greek Honey, with the subtle, honest sweetness still maintaining that Greek yogurt taste. The option to add whatever toppings, from mini peanut butter chocolate cups to strawberries, makes the experience so much more personal.
If you are craving something healthier, the Sweet Greek Bowls elevate the experience. My go-to is the Energia bowl, containing strawberries, banana, blueberries, hemp seeds, almonds, granola, chia seeds, and Greek honey over your choice of yogurt. It is a masterpiece of texture, juicy fruit that meets the nutty crunch, and a perfect way to fuel your body that feels indulgent but light.
For the People
The moment you walk in, the staff greets you like family, and that’s by design.
“We treat our team and our customers like one happy family,” Patarkatsi says. “We wanna create a home environment for everybody to enjoy.”
That authenticity extends beyond the counter. Each location blends traditional with local flavors through future collaborations that connect Go Greek to the various communities it serves. In Miami, they are partnering with Honey Veil for a limited-edition launch that blends Greek sweetness with current South Florida charm.
The partnership reflects Go Greek’s collaborative spirit. A philosophy that helped it grow organically through community rather than only marketing-based. Even celebrities have taken notice.
“A lot of celebrities fell in love with the brand and were really nice and posted it on their own, like the Kardashians put us on their show many times, never never paid,” Patarkatsi added.
Behind Go Greek’s easygoing charm lies years of persistence and hard work. Patarkatsi describes the journey as anything but effortless, filled with long days, small victories, and lessons learned, like most successful businesses starting up. What looks like an overnight success is really the result of a decade of dedication, patience, and belief in the vision. Rathen than chasing trends, the brand stays grounded in authenticity and community, growing with intention and gratitude for the support that has met them along the way.
From Crete to Florida
Go Greek Yogurt is more than a place to eat. It is a lifestyle in a cup. Each swirl embodies the balance and simplicity of the Mediterranean way of life, with wholesome ingredients, joyful energy, and a sense of belonging. Every visit feels like an escape from the rush of Miami life.
Whether you are stopping by for a post-workout pick-me-up or a sweet study break, Go Greek turns a simple snack into a ritual of self-care and connection. Every bite tells a story of heritage, heart, and hard work. From Crete to Florida, this yogurt bar proves that wellness and indulgence can share the same spoon.
Our Menu Picks
Energia Bowl
Greek honey flavored yogurt, strawberries, banana, blueberries, hemp seeds, almonds, granola, chia seeds and Greek honey
YoGreek Cino Smoothie
Chocolate espresso, frozen Greek chocolate, milk and espresso powder
Aceso Savory Bowl
Mango, avocado, serrano peppers, olive oil, lemon juice, himalayan salt, hemp seeds and crushed black pepper
words_ali yessios. photo_ donny randle. design_anna mondschein.
This article was published in Distraction’s Winter 2025 print issue.
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