Spiro Douvris

Spiro Douvris is a lifelong Chicago resident with a strong Greek background. This Greek background and their use of “Filotimo” taught Spiro the importance of constantly giving back to the community that gives to you. Douvris and his family have always made contributions to the Children’s Memorial Hospital, along with other significant charities and organizations. As Spiro continues to pursue his entrepreneurial ventures, he hopes to be able to give back more and more.

Growing up, Douvris was extremely influenced by sports, specifically basketball and Michael Jordan. Douvris was enthralled with Jordan’s mindset of “work hard, play hard.” Douvris was active in several sports growing up including basketball, baseball, and football. In his adulthood, Spiro participated on a softball team and greatly enjoyed the experience. If you ask Spiro, he will tell you that he believes there is a strong correlation between sports and business.

Douvris takes the same mindset from sports to business, and believes that success comes from hard work. That hard work led Douvris to own one of the most successful beloved local franchises in Chicago: Beef Shack. 

Spiro’s father owned a chain of restaurants called Zippys, and Spiro grew up surrounded by the restaurant industry. Douvris fondly remembers sitting on a milk crate, making drinks for the drive through at the age of eight. Spiro continued working at Zippys until he moved to California and found California Pizza Kitchen. This is where Douvris learned about fine dining. Douvris took all of this knowledge and turned Zippy’s final location into a Beef Shack. His location was so successful that it won Best Beef in Kane County every single year it was open!

The Beef Shack is a franchise that is known as the “home of the cheezy beef.” Spiro Douvris maintained the ownership of his first establishment after he sold the company’s franchising rights. In February 2020, Douvris decided to pursue other ventures, noting that he had poured his love and dedication into this community through The Beef Shack and it was time for a new challenge. Douvris hopes that the St. Charles location will continue to see success as it did when he was the founder and President. 

In addition to his various business ventures, Spiro recently launched Owlcrest Development, a real estate development company that is focused on providing the best possible service to its customers. The company’s goal is to create a unique and enjoyable experience for its customers. Currently, Owlcrest Development is working on a project with a group of co-developers in the Illinois Medical District, for a new residential building. With Trophi Hospitality and his coaching firm, Douvris helps managers and owners with various issues that come up in the restaurant industry.

When Spiro is not in search of his next venture or playing sports, you will likely find him participating in philanthropy. Philanthropy is near and dear to Douvris’ heart, as he grew up watching his family donate to Children’s Memorial Hospital. Douvris is involved with several notable Chicago organizations and plans to continue his philanthropic giving.

Douvris is currently pursuing entrepreneurial ventures with his brother, William Douvris, and both are excited to see where it goes! To keep up with Spiro Douvris, follow him here and at SpiroDouvris.com.