MEET KOSTA
Meet Kosta, the fearless leader of our Agora team.
To say that service and hospitality have been a part of Kosta's whole life is not an understatement. From spending his early years helping in his grandmother's kitchen in Greece to his first job at a grocery store at only 14 years old, he has a life-long deep appreciation for quality food and community.
Now, as the General Manager at Agora, you will see him on the floor, helping customers and supporting staff in every department. He oversees daily operations, manages our dedicated team, curates product selection, and ensures we uphold our commitment to local sourcing; all with the continued goal of making every visit to Agora an enjoyable experience for our customers.
One of his favorite parts of his job is working with local suppliers and brands to learn the stories behind their incredible products. Local sourcing and partnerships are at the heart of Agora Market's mission. Supporting Chicago businesses not only strengthens our community but also ensures our customers enjoy the freshest and most unique products available.
MEET NIKO
Before joining Agora Market, Niko spent years managing top-tier restaurants in Chicago, honing his skills in both front-of-house operations and the art of crafting exceptional culinary experiences. That love of food and family began with a childhood spent surrounded by good food, good music and good times.
He brings both this lifelong passion and professional expertise to Agora everyday as our Operations Manager and Wine & Spirits Curator.
Niko's role at Agora is primarily to make sure every step of our day-to-day operations runs smoothly but he also curates our impressive selection of wine and spirits, drawing on his extensive knowledge to offer our customers the best local and international options. If you're planning a party, you should definitely ask him for your wine picks!
Niko loves welcoming in Agora shoppers daily and being a part of the Bucktown neighborhood. The vibrant culture and diverse food scene of this community provide a blend of creativity, history, and Chicago spirit makes it the perfect place for Agora Market and our team to thrive.
MEET THE TEAM
AGORA: A GATHERING PLACE
With over 50 years of combined grocery experience, the Marinis family has built a legacy centered around their passion for fresh, quality food. Louiza and Peter Marinis, who married in 1979, began their entrepreneurial journey shortly after, turning their love for food and community into a thriving business. Today, Agora Market embodies that vision, offering more than just groceries—it’s a place where neighbors connect and flavors flourish.
Growing up in the small villages of Greece, Louiza and Peter were raised on the essentials of fresh produce and home-cooked meals. These values shaped their approach to food and community, and they’ve carried that tradition forward, ensuring Agora Market delivers the same freshness and warmth they cherished in their childhood. Whether you're shopping for ingredients or simply visiting, Agora Market is a reflection of the Marinis family’s commitment to quality, tradition, and a welcoming neighborhood atmosphere.