Name: Nick Ambeliotis
Age: 56
Title: Owner & Founder of Mediterra Bakehouse
Married/Single: Married
Kids: 4
City you live in: Moon Valley, AZ
A typical day in my life includes…
I am an early riser and enjoy quiet time to arrange my day, morning prayers, and coffee with my wife. After I am off to the bakehouse and then I could be anywhere, with my farmer in the fields, working with staff in the bakehouse, visiting my customers. Then home with Lisa by 6 pm.
I was born…
in Warren, Ohio.
My favorite thing about Arizona…
is that is has enriched my life. I came here for a visit to St Anthony’s Greek Orthodox Monastery and since then met my wife and amazing friends.
I’m listening to…
almost everything; the village music of my island in the North Aegean (Chios) and from there it could be Jazz, Classical and I love INDIE dance alternative.
My family…
is a gift from God, my heart and soul.
If I could have dinner with anyone,
besides the obvious Jesus Christ and my parents I would have to say Mozart. How did he compose at 5 years old?
One thing I cannot live without…
my daily reset or quiet time. Getting too caught up in the daily world excites one too much to see clearly. Go within oneself and seek answers from God.
When I was younger, I wanted to be…
a train conductor.
I’m inspired by…
my team and bread.
The one person who motivates me is…
three businessmen I have met and who mentored me; they are all profoundly different. And a fourth person is a Monk.
If I could change anything in the world, it would be…
more empathy among people.
The perfect day would be…
excellence and detail as long as I can remember. I am so energized to seek and uncover the best. A perfect day would be another evening at TAILLEVENT with my wife. For over 40 years they have been the best, I have not found better anywhere. It is a disciplined perfection.
My first job was…
working for my parents in their grocery store .
My favorite escape…
going to St. Anthony’s Monastery in Florence, AZ. I also love the raw beauty of Arizona day trips.
My life…
is fulfilled in every way. Love and family.
I’m currently working on…
the things I love; my bakehouse, farming heritage wheat and expanding our bakery horizon.
Always…
pray it is like pulling on God’s heartstrings.
Never…
stop learning.
Favorite Quote…
“You must be grateful to be gracious.”
Biggest Dream…
I never really think much beyond my next project.
My Pet Peeve(s)…
no attention to detail – not striving for perfection. Noisy people who don’t say much. Bad truck drivers
More about Nick…
founder and owner of Mediterra Bakehouse, Nick Ambeliotis entered the world of baking as a novice but felt that it was his true calling to bake bread. Over 18 months Nick traveled the U.S. and Europe learning techniques, researching ingredients and processes from the best bakers. He launched Mediterra Bakehouse in 2002 in Pittsburg and expanded to Arizona in 2012. Mediterra Bakehouse models its baking off of old-world European style using less yeast, more time, cold water and heritage wheat. Today, the bakery offers more than 20 flavors of bread plus seasonal options and is sold at stores throughout the Valley and served at the finest resorts.
