One Story, Many Markets

One Story, Many Markets

Come join us at the Smith Center for Undergraduate Education for a talk with Alex Apostolopoulos, Founder of HELLENIKA Cultured Creamery and Board Member of Visit Seattle. You’ll get a kick out of his inspiring story — from the Gold Coast to Pike Place, from Ellenos to Hellenika, and how he somehow found himself serving on the boards of Visit Seattle and the Pike Place Market Historic Commission. More importantly, Alex will speak honestly about the ups, downs, and gut calls that come with trying to build something real.

Food provided!

About the speaker:

Australian-born Alex Apostolopoulos owns and operates HELLENIKA Cultured Creamery at Pike Place Market. He grew up in dairy and working farmers markets. He hit Pike Place in 2013, with Ellenos, after Vancouver flight attendant whose family had a produce stand there, brought him over to make yoghurt in Seattle. One cup at Pike Place, turned into the whole country. In 2023 he returned to Pike Place to make food face to face again, the way it should be and this time with his brother and sister.

His compass is xenia (ancient Greek concept of hospitality). Pike Place is his open lab, cold air, honest faces, flavours produced in public view. He sits on the boards of Visit Seattle and the Pike Place Market Historic Commission because both shape hospitality where it counts. Visit Seattle sets our regions welcome and connects travelers to makers. The Commission protects the Market’s heart and keeps public voices heard.

In 2018 he convinced his brother Pete to come to WSU and work the Creamery making Cougar Gold. Pete now runs HELLENIKA production with his fellow Coug classmate. Show up, feed people, protect the heart and Go Cougs!