2 Greek food companies merge

Two big Chicago-area companies that make gyros meat and other Mediterranean foods are merging to spur growth.

Grecian Delight, of Elk Grove Village, and Kronos Foods, of Glendale Heights, announced their plans Tuesday.

“This is a partnership that has been 30 years in the making. Now, two great organizations are coming together with a unified goal of putting our customers in a better position to succeed by delivering even more value-added products and services,” said Peter Parthenis Jr., Grecian Delight president and CEO.

Parthenis will serve as CEO of the newly formed company.

Grecian Delight is owned by the Parthenis family; Kronos Foods is owned by Chicago-based private equity firm Entrepreneurial Equity Partners.

“This merger will allow Grecian Delight and Kronos to accelerate growth into global cuisine and protein-based foods — both significant trends within the food sector.” said Mark Burgett, managing partner of Entrepreneurial Equity.

Grecian Delight, founded in 1974 by Peter Parthenis Sr., makes Greek and Mediterranean products for the food service and retail industries.

Kronos, founded in 1975 by Chicago entrepreneur Chris Tomaras, supplies chain restaurants, schools and food service providers as well as grocery stores.