It's fast becoming an Augusta area institution -- but the owner of Dino's wants his restaurant to become a famous franchise all over.

It's Chicago food in Augusta, and it gets rave reviews

"It's the only place around here like it and the food is great every time," a patron said.

Dino Dakuras says it's his unique menu-- gyros and Chicago dogs -- he thinks will help him move from three Augusta-area locations to become a regional chain.

"It's neat to be able to bring a Midwest type menu to a southern type atmosphere," he said.

Instead of trying to open each new restaurant himself, Dino says he's choosing to franchise -- to give others the chance to enjoy his success.

"It is easy to buy into franchises compared to starting an independent business because independents fail so much," he said.

"There's nothing like taking something and seeing it grow and mature," he said.

Soon Dino might have fans all over the South, and as long as it stays Greek to us . . .it might just keep growing.

Dino says because of trademarks -- his new locations won't have his name. Instead he'll call them Papa-n-Sons.

He says he's working through the legalities now, but hopes to start looking for franchisees soon.
http://www.nbcaugusta.com/news/local/24105919.html