There’s rarely ever a day when you walk into Big Tommy’s Parthenon for a meal and the owners Elena and Andy Stylianou aren’t there to greet you with a hug, handshake and a smile. Sure, it’s good for business, but for the Stylianous, it’s better for the soul.

The couple truly values the relationships they have formed over the last eight years at their Greek restaurant and comedy club on Grand River Avenue, between Meadowbrook and Haggerty roads. They love knowing their customers by name, hearing about their families and filling their stomachs with outstanding food. Their menu is vast “because there are so many things in the Greek culture you want to have people experience,” said Andy, but each item is made from scratch with only fresh ingredients.

It’s so authentic that customers who have been to Greece comment that the food at Big Tommy’s seems to taste even more fresh than what they ate in Europe. The online reviews of the restaurant back up those claims, featuring comments like: “best Greek food in the state of Michigan,” “excellent food, outstanding service, can’t wait to go back,” “one of my absolute favorite restaurants, ” and “the food is perfection…every time…no matter what I order.”

“We put a lot of love into what we do,” said Andy. “When a customer comes in and they want me to cook them something special, I do it. You want them to be satisfied and leave saying ‘wow.’”

The best part about family is they always are there for you. For the Stylianou’s and restaurants all across Novi, they needed their customers (aka “family”) to be there for them amid the coronavirus pandemic that shut down all dining rooms the past couple months. Big Tommy’s made the switch to carry-out and delivery service, and with Elena and Andy running the show was able to keep the restaurant running.

“This is a family restaurant and we genuinely care about every customer we have,” said Elena. “It’s not about money to us, and we saw how impactful those relationships were when everyone was reaching out to us to check in and order food.”

The food…where do you even begin? You can’t beat the appetizers featuring saganaki, grilled octopus, calamari and spanakotiropita (spinach pies) that just melt in your mouth. As for main dishes, you better come hungry. The menu truly features something for everyone, from lamb chops and gyros to grape leaves, kabobs, pasta and seafood. Saving room for dessert is a must, as their baklava, rice pudding and cake are the perfect end to a great night out.

Speaking of night out, Big Tommy’s is more than just a restaurant. Its lower level is home to a comedy club featuring shows every Friday and Saturday night by both locally and nationally known comedians. You can even pair dinner with a show for just $27 per person.

Comedy shows can also be used as a fundraising component to help sports organizations, non-profi ts and more. Giving back to the community is important to the Stylianous as they can often be found out and about, donating food, gift cards and more.

“We are all in this together and we believe strongly in supporting the community that supports you,” said Andy. “In a time of need we have to help, we are big believers in that.”

For more information about Big Tommy’s Parthenon and Comedy Club, visit bigtommys.com or reserve tickets by calling 248.957.6500. The restaurant is located at 40380 Grand River Ave.