Effie Barbagiannakou co-owner of Eleon in Sutton Coldfield has been crowned November’s local hero in the Royal Town’s Sutton Serves Better scheme. 

Effie and her husband always had a dream of bringing authentic Greek cuisine to Sutton and 7 years ago that dream became reality.  She was named the winner of this month’s prize thanks to leading the Eleon team as a super front of house professional. 

She was nominated by customer Jackie Cummins, who praised her for “first class customer service and superb Greek food every time – in a very clean restaurant.”

Effie who lives in Four Oaks, said: “I’m delighted to win this award. I love working with our team, who have been very helpful and supportive - we couldn’t do what we do without them.

“Interacting with the customers and making sure that they enjoy themselves is very important to me. The joy and the kind comments we get from our customers are really priceless!  I’m so glad we decided to share our passion of serving the food we have been enjoying since our childhood.”

Launched by Sutton Coldfield Town Centre BID, the new initiative aims to recognise the excellence provided throughout bars and restaurants in the town centre, particularly recognising those individuals who go the extra mile for their guests.  Each month, a panel of local business representatives select one worthy winner.

The Sutton Serves Better awards follows the success of the Sutton Smiles Better scheme, which has so far recognized the fantastic customer service from individuals across a host of Sutton Coldfield businesses, including Holland & Barrett, The Gym, Appetites Café, and the Grape Tree shop.

Mike Bushell, Sutton Coldfield Town Centre BID Manager, said,

“There’s no doubt that the hospitality industry has suffered some incredibly challenging times recently, facing circumstances like never before.

“We’re home to a wide range of brilliant venues throughout the town centre, and we have always been dedicated to supporting them however we can, whether that’s through What’s on Sutton Coldfield or events like Sutton Expo and Month of Music.

“The Sutton Serves Better award is a fantastic way to raise awareness and recognise the excellence in our pubs, bars, restaurants and cafes, and goes a small way to showing our appreciation for the hard work from individuals not just throughout the pandemic, but every day.”

Effie will receive a prize of £100 in local vouchers and will proudly display the Sutton Serves Better plaque.

To nominate your employee or local hero visit: https://suttoncoldfieldtowncentre.co.uk/2021/09/23/recognising-excellence-in-sutton-coldfields-bars-and-restaurants/