BOSTON, October 2026 — The HBBU Summer Send-Off brought more than 50 Greek and Philhellenic professionals to Kaia in Boston’s South End on Thursday 24 September.
The Boston non-profit Hellenic Boston Businesses Unite (HBBU) staged its ‘Meet & Greek’ evening on XO, the outdoor patio at Kaia. Kaia, a coastal Greek restaurant, is part of Xenia Greek Hospitality.
HBBU Summer Send-Off on the XO patio
According to organisers, the HBBU Summer Send-Off celebrated Greek culture, community and professional connections. During the evening, guests enjoyed Greek music, signature cocktails and bites as summer came to an end.
Guests also had the chance to connect with fellow professionals in what HBBU called a lively, welcoming setting. Organisers said the gathering highlighted the group’s continued commitment to fostering meaningful relationships.
In particular, HBBU wants to strengthen its network of Hellenic and Philhellenic professionals throughout Greater Boston. The HBBU Summer Send-Off also gave guests a chance to welcome the northern autumn together.
Among those at Kaia were HBBU board members Panayiota Asimacos, Anna Efthimiadis, Chris Salamanis-Rivera and Dena Panagopoulos. Panos Eleftheriou Photography captured the HBBU Summer Send-Off in photos as well as a recap video.
Kaia brings the Aegean to the South End
Kaia describes itself as an homage to the Aegean coast, with dishes inspired by the earth and sea. Chef de Cuisine Junyoung Ma leads the kitchen, while the drinks list pairs wines from Aegean vineyards with European-style cocktails.
The restaurant sits at 370 Harrison Avenue in the South End. Xenia Greek Hospitality, which takes its name from the ancient Greek idea of hospitality, also runs Greco, Bar Vlaha, Krasi and Hecate.
For Hellenic Boston Businesses Unite, the venue also continues an earlier connection. Its own events list shows an autumn gathering at Bar Vlaha, another Xenia concept, in October 2023.
In addition, Xenia chief executive Demetri Tsolakis was among the panellists when Greek City Times covered The Art of Greek Entrepreneurship in June.
A year of Businesses Unite events across Greater Boston
The HBBU Summer Send-Off builds on a series of community initiatives that HBBU has run over the past year. That programme included The Art of Greek Entrepreneurship, which featured a panel of accomplished Greek entrepreneurs at Oakley Country Club in Watertown.
Before that, in April, the KefiFM & H.B.B.U. Annual Radiothon raised support for the Metropolis of Boston Camp. HBBU also held a Ladies’ Night at Rumble Boxing, as well as seasonal networking receptions and philanthropic and professional development programmes.
As a non-profit organisation, Hellenic Boston Businesses Unite promotes Hellenic culture and the value of Philotimo. It brings Greek and Philhellenic professionals together so they can support one another in good faith through charitable actions.
Because of that work, the group says it helps strengthen and uplift the children of the Hellenic community. Through strategic partnerships and community-focused events, HBBU aims to bring people together, celebrate Greek heritage and inspire the next generation of leaders.
On its website, HBBU describes a vibrant network of Hellenic and Philhellenic businesses and professionals in the Boston area. It also says membership offers professional and personal development, along with strong networking opportunities.
Christmas Glendi set for MEZŌ in Dedham
Following the HBBU Summer Send-Off, the group’s next networking event is the HBBU x MEZŌ Christmas Glendi. It will run from 6pm to 9pm on Thursday 3 December at MEZŌ Mediterranean, in the heart of Dedham Square.
The restaurant is at 551 High Street in Dedham, south-west of Boston. Like HBBU, it places Philotimo at the centre of its philosophy, describing it as doing good for the sake of good.
HBBU’s events list begins with a summer event at The Stockyard in June 2023. It also shows an earlier December gathering, at Ithaki Mediterranean Restaurant in 2024.
Organisers said tickets will be available later in October through HBBU’s events page, which also lists the HBBU Summer Send-Off.
Photo gallery of the event
All photos are copyrighted by Panos Eleftheriou
