Today we’d like to introduce you to Ilias Tsakiris.
Hi Ilias, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Born and raised in Greece, I came to New Jersey in 2015 with a simple goal: to create a better future. I began my journey working in a pizza shop, learning every aspect of the business. Through persistence and dedication, I eventually became the owner. As I continued to grow professionally, I expanded into real estate investing and later pursued another passion—coffee. That led to the creation of Daily Ground, a brand that now includes two coffee shop locations. Today, I continue to invest in real estate while growing the Daily Ground brand, driven by the same entrepreneurial spirit that brought me to America over a decade ago.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No, it hasn’t been a smooth road. Like most entrepreneurial journeys, it was filled with challenges, long hours, financial risks, and setbacks. But every challenge became a learning opportunity, and those experiences helped me build the businesses I own today.
As you know, we’re big fans of Daily Grounds. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Daily Grounds is the realization of my entrepreneurial journey. After coming to America from Greece in 2015, I worked hard to build a better future—starting in the pizza industry, becoming a business owner, investing in real estate, and eventually pursuing my passion for creating community-focused spaces.
Coffee shops have a unique ability to become part of people’s daily lives. They are places where friends meet, professionals work, families gather, and communities connect. That’s the vision behind Daily Grounds. I wanted to create more than just a coffee shop—I wanted to build a welcoming environment where people can enjoy great coffee, quality food, and meaningful connections.
Today, we’re proud to operate two Daily Grounds locations in New Jersey. Every cup of coffee we serve reflects our commitment to quality, hospitality, and community. For me, Daily Grounds represents more than a business; it’s a reflection of my journey, the opportunities this country has given me, and my desire to give back to the communities that have supported us along the way.
At its core, Daily Grounds is about bringing people together. As we continue to grow, our goal remains the same: to create spaces where everyone feels welcome and where exceptional service, quality products, and genuine human connection come first.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
I’ve found that mentors usually come through relationships, not by actively searching for a mentor. When I came to America from Greece, I built my network by working hard, staying curious, and learning from people who were already successful in business.
My biggest advice is to focus on building genuine relationships and providing value first. Attend events, put yourself in rooms with people who are ahead of you, ask thoughtful questions, and follow through on your commitments.
In my experience, opportunities don’t come from knowing the most people—they come from earning the trust of the right people.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.dailygroundscoffee.com
- Instagram: Dailygrounds_coffee
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/186FvXi4eE/?mibextid=wwXIfr
