Yanni was born in Rodos, Greece. He came from a big family. Four brothers in the immediate family and he is the oldest. From eight years old, he helped his father in their spice business, where he worked after school. The family came to America and immigrated to Cleveland in 1976. "When we arrived here, we thought all the buildings would look like New York, big and tall. That's how we envisioned America. We worked in restaurants not for pay but to gain experience.

In 1985, his father and uncles opened Nikki's Deli on Morse Road. Which was the beginning of his learning the Greek and Mediterranean Cuisine. His father and mother had decided that they're immediate family restaurant with some of the experience and knowledge.

Yanni with the Mayor of Whitehall - King Gyros Day