Taziki's Mediterranean Café recently opened its 50th location in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on December 8, and two additional locations are planned by year’s end. With these new openings, Taziki’s will reach 40 percent growth in 2015.

“We’re proud for the opportunity to represent Taziki’s as its 50th store,” says Mike Pierce, local owner of Taziki’s Mediterranean Café in Tulsa. “I’m excited to associate myself with a fast-growing brand that prides itself on being fresh, casual, and delicious.”

This year Taziki’s opened stores in four new states: Florida, Mississippi, Kentucky, and Oklahoma, expanding its reach to 15 states.

“Taziki’s has a bright future ahead, and we have big plans for next year,” says Jim Keet, CEO of Taziki’s Mediterranean Café. “We plan to open at least 30 locations next year and expect 2016 to be our breakout year.”

From perfectly grilled meats served with signature sauces to mouthwatering salads filled with fresh fruits and veggies, Taziki’s Mediterranean Cafe has mastered the art of creating imaginative, Mediterranean-inspired dishes.

Taziki’s began 2015 by becoming the first national franchise to achieve REAL Certification, the emerging national standard for foodservice nutrition and sustainability given by the United States Healthful Food Council (USHFC). Taziki’s is currently the largest chain restaurant to complete the certification process.

Taziki’s founder and chief development officer Keith Richards was given the distinguished honor of receiving the National Association of People Supporting Employment First (APSE) Award for his work employing those with special needs.

The idea for Taziki’s first came to Richards during a trip to Greece with his wife, Amy, in 1997. “When I opened my first Taziki’s 17 years ago, I never imagined that we would have the opportunity to impact so many lives,” Richards says.