Greek food sells on freshness and simplicity, but margins live in portion control. Gyro cones, skewers, feta, and olive oil move faster than most owners think.
This guide gives you a U.S.-focused cost framework for gyros, souvlaki plates, and Greek salads so you can price with confidence.
Quick Summary
- Cost by protein ounces + pita + sides + packaging
- Tzatziki and feta must be portioned, not free-poured
- Batch-cost rice, potatoes, and sauce
- Price delivery separately if packaging is heavy
Why Greek Menu Costs Drift
- Gyro and souvlaki portions creep up
- Feta and olive oil are overused
- Sauces are not portioned
- Takeout packaging is ignored
Core Cost Formula
Plate cost = Protein + Pita + Side + Sauce + Garnish + Packaging
Food cost % = Plate cost / Menu pricePortion Standards That Protect Margin
- Gyro meat: 4.5-5.5 oz per pita
- Souvlaki skewer: 4 oz cooked meat
- Tzatziki: 2 oz per plate
- Feta: 1 oz on salad or bowl
Batch Costs You Should Track
- Tzatziki
- Lemon rice or rice pilaf
- Roasted lemon potatoes
- Greek dressing
Batch costing keeps daily pricing consistent even when supplier costs move.
Example: Gyro Plate (1 plate)
| Item | Portion | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Gyro meat | 5 oz | $2.25 |
| Pita | 1 | $0.40 |
| Tzatziki | 2 oz | $0.30 |
| Greek salad | 4 oz | $0.85 |
| Rice pilaf | 5 oz | $0.45 |
| Packaging | 1 set | $0.55 |
| Total | $4.80 |
If the menu price is $16.50:
4.80 / 16.50 = 29.1%Pricing Targets (Typical)
- Fast-casual Greek: 25-32%
- Full-service Greek: 28-35%
- Delivery-heavy menus: 30-36%
Delivery Notes
Greek food travels well, but packaging adds up fast. If packaging is $0.75-$1.25 per order, use a delivery price tier or a higher minimum order to protect margin.
CPI Reality Check (US)
BLS data for December 2025 shows food away from home prices still rising year over year. Review protein pricing monthly if supplier quotes move faster than CPI.
Checklist
- Protein ounces fixed and trained
- Feta and tzatziki portioned by scoop
- Batch yields recorded weekly
- Packaging included for every takeout item
Related Guides
- US Gyro & Falafel Cost Guide
- US Food Cost Calculator
- US Menu Pricing Calculator
- Recipe Costing Guide
If you want menu costs that update when supplier prices change, try KitchenCost.