Arris’ Pizza in Greystone South Plaza offers a variety of specialty Greek pizzas

Matt Alexiou was a longtime fan of Arris’ Pizza, so much so that he took his girlfriend to Jefferson City just so she could try it. Then, while on their honeymoon nearly four years ago, the couple first discussed opening an Arris Pizza of their own.

Two years ago they signed up to become Arris’ Pizza franchisees and began scouting the area for possible sites. They picked Lenexa’s Greystone South Plaza, gutting three spaces and remodeling them for a 5,200-square-foot Arris Pizza that opened earlier this month.

Arris’ Pizza was founded in Jefferson City in 1961. Arris Pardalos, a native of Greece, used a Greek-style dough made from a family recipe for his pizza crust. The original location has since expanded several times, and additional locations have opened in Columbia, Osage Beach and Springfield.

The restaurants now serve a variety of specialty Greek pizzas including the Zeus (Greek sausage, Roma tomatoes, artichoke hearts and feta), and the Atlas (marinated chicken breast, breakfast bacon, fresh spinach and Roma tomatoes). Other menu items include charbroiled chicken salad, baked subs, wings, gyros, pastas, and American and Greek dinners.

The new Lenexa location also features a buffet, which includes six different pizzas, one or two pastas and a salad bar, and is served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday for $7.99. The couple also have plans to offer a different Greek specialty several nights a week, perhaps pastitsio or moussaka.

Matt Alexiou, a Jefferson City native, grew up eating Arris’ Pizza and started working there in high school. He moved to Kansas City in the late 1990s and now owns a construction company, A & V Construction. His company did the tenant finish for the new Arris’ Pizza at 12812 W. 87th St. Parkway. The back part of the divided dining room can be set aside for groups of up to 55 people.

The couple picked the center because it was near youth sports venues and had easy access to the interstate. They also are eyeing other spaces in the center with plans to later add an event space.

Johnson County retail openings

▪ The Big Biscuit plans to open its new Overland Park restaurant, at 8520 W. 135th St., in early April.

▪ Molly Maxwell and Megan Thornberry, owners of Hoopla in the Fairway Shops, are expanding again.

Their third location is scheduled to open in Parkway Plaza, 4752 W. 135th St., Leawood, in late March or early April.

Hoopla opened in Fairway in mid-2012, offering manicures, pedicures, waxing and chair massages by appointment or walk-in. It uses hospital-grade sterilizers, and equipment is sealed in bags so each customer is assured of its cleanliness.

It has more than 40 signature polishes that are made in the United States and not tested on animals. It will introduce two new spring colors when the new locations open. A second Hoopla is scheduled to open in the Crossroads Arts District by mid-March.

This story was originally published February 18, 2015 at 11:21 AM with the headline "Arris’ Pizza in Greystone South Plaza offers a variety of specialty Greek pizzas."