Yianni Bourbakis of Elia on the Real Recipe for Success
AUGUST 19, 2026Success in the hospitality industry isn't just about serving great food. It's about creating an experience that keeps people coming back.
“We tell our chef all the time, if you don't make it with love — that's the main ingredient of any recipe, is love.”
Greg Weimer sits down with Yianni Bourbakis, co-owner of Elia Mediterranean Grille, to discuss the principles that have helped turn his vision into one of Pittsburgh’s most talked-about dining destinations.
Yianni shares how his journey from corporate America to entrepreneurship taught him the value of taking calculated risks, surrounding yourself with the right people, and staying relentlessly focused on consistency. Their conversation explores the importance of treating employees like family, creating a culture built on communication and trust, and leading with a long-term vision. Along the way, Yianni reflects on the lessons he’s learned about hard work, personal growth, and the legacy he hopes to leave for his children.
In this episode, gain insights on:
- The two-word recipe: why consistency and persistence are the foundation of long-term success.
- Built on partnership: how strong partnerships and communication build better businesses.
- The experience factor: what it takes to create an experience people want to return to.
- Team first: why investing in your team leads to exceptional customer experiences.
- Risk and reinvention: how embracing change and taking risks can unlock new opportunities.
- Legacy by example: why the greatest legacy is the example you set for the next generation.
Greg Weimer
Chief Executive Officer, Chairman — Confluence Financial Partners
Greg is passionate about helping individuals and families maximize their lives and legacies. His journey began in 1986 as a financial advisor, and he went on to join American Funds Distributors in 1993, where he became senior vice president and served on the Board of Directors.
Greg attended the University of Pittsburgh, where he earned a business degree with a concentration in computer science and mathematics. He serves on the Board of Directors of UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, is Vice Chair of the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation, and is a Knight of the Order of Malta.
He was named Italian Man of the Year by the Pittsburgh Italian Scholarship Fund in 2024 and received the Community Caritas Award from Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Pittsburgh in 2025.
