In 1986, several prominent Greek restaurateurs founded the Greek American Restaurant Association (GARA). One of the founding members, James Verros, remarked, “It is time for the restaurant owners to form a strong Hellenic Restaurant Association that the members can be proud of.” They envisioned a unique concept with three ambitious goals: to grow and unite the Greek restaurant community, leverage their collective purchasing power for favorable pricing and rebates, and support the community through philanthropic programs.

Nearly forty years later, these visionary goals have surpassed all expectations. Over $6,000,000 has been donated to various charitable causes and scholarships, significantly supporting numerous community philanthropic initiatives.

In 2009, continuing their innovative foresight, the organization split into two separate entities. GARA would continue as a standalone charity, while the newly formed Greek American Restaurant Cooperative (GARC) would directly benefit its members. The cooperative’s mission is twofold: channeling purveyor rebate revenues to its participating members and donating any profits to support GARA’s philanthropic efforts.

Today, GARC is backed by over 1,400 restaurants across Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin. Its simple yet powerful goal is to enhance the financial performance of its members while increasing sales for participating suppliers. GARC provides its members with the benefits and pricing typically reserved for national accounts. The cooperative is dedicated to helping restaurant owners reduce their product costs by uniting independent restaurants and other food service operators. Each year, GARC donates a majority of its profits to GARA, supporting their mission to “preserve, perpetuate, and promote Greek culture, history, and ideals.”