Journalist: Apostolos Staikos
Operator/Editor: Giannis Dolas
“Chicken kebab or mixed beef and lamb kebab?” Most people don’t know which to choose, several choose to try both flavors.
Filippos-Mahdi spreads out the Iranian pitta and pulls some oregano, thyme and black pepper off the shelf. Next to him on the counter he has onions, peppers and tomatoes. The smells fill the customers’ noses as they watch the red-aproned cook pour the sauce and wrap the kebab.
In November 2024, Filippos-Mahdi Safaei opened his own place, Kebab Hub, in downtown Nikaia. The 44-year-old refugee from Iran is one of the people supported by METAdrasi’s “Ready for Business”. The programme, which is implemented in partnership with UNHCR, is addressed to refugees who want to prepare their business plan and then open their own business.
“This place, the Kebab Hub, was a dream for me. I was not a professional, but I loved cooking and slowly I found out that I have a talent. My first home in Athens was in a basement. I cooked with the window open and the smells attracted passers-by. They would ask me what I was cooking and what spices I was using. Some even tasted them,” says Filippos-Mahdi.
The Iranian refugee arrived in Greece in November 2016. Among other things, he worked as a builder, parking attendant and interpreter until he joined the 3rd cycle of “Ready for Business”.
About a year later, he welcomed the first lovers of authentic Iranian kebabs to his shop, as well as those who wanted to try something different. Most ask about the pitta bread and sauces he uses.
Filippos-Mahdi explains to them that the thin one is called “taftoon” and the thicker one is called “barbari”. As for the sauces, there’s the Kebab Hub with roasted eggplant, garlic, yogurt and herbs, the “homemade” yogurt sauce, and a spicy one that’s not too spicy for kids to eat. The turnout has exceeded expectations, and the shop has gained a reputation outside of Nikaia.
The 44-year-old Iranian does not forget METAdrasi’s help, while he invites refugees who have a business idea to pursue their dream and apply to “Ready for Business”.
“METAdrasi helped me a lot because I couldn’t make the business plan on my own. The people of the Organization were by my side every step of the way and gave me information. They explained what I needed to write and what documents I needed. Furthermore, we looked into the future of my chosen profession and searched for the right area. It is a complex process and the help I received was important”, says Filippos-Mahdi.
Every year, two cycles of “Ready for Business” are held for six months each, with the participation of ten refugees. It takes place in Athens, but it is possible for refugees from all over Greece to participate online as long as they speak very good Greek or English.
Through working groups and individual meetings, participants formulate a business plan. This is a guide to understanding and detailing their business idea, as well as an essential tool in the search for funding. At the same time, they are provided with information on the legal and taxation framework in Greece. In the case of Filippos-Mahdi the capital to start his business was provided by The People’s Trust.
“Ready for Business is now recognized as one of the best entrepreneurship programmes for refugees. It has provided services to dozens of refugees and contributed to the creation of a significant number of companies. It is important to understand that supporting refugees in terms of entrepreneurship is not an act of charity, but that it contributes substantially to our country’s economy” says Maria Theodoropoulou, METAdrasi’s “Ready for Business” Programme Manager.
Filippos-Mahdi’s original plan was to reach Germany where his brother lives. But finally, he decided to stay in Greece. Here, he has built a new life, got married and is now the father of a little boy.
“I can say that I started from scratch, because when I came here I had absolutely nothing. I have gone through a lot of difficulties, but I have managed. There were times when I was deeply disappointed, but I didn’t give up, I never gave up. I continued on my way and now I have my own business. I have made a new beginning. I am happy with myself and optimistic about the future” he says.
You can find Kebab Hub at 49, Efesou Street, Nikaia, a few meters from the metro exit.