INTERVIEW OF THE MONTH: OLYMPUS PLAZA

BRINGING GREEK HOSPITALITY AND HIGHWAY DINING EXCELLENCE TO SERBIA

Olympus Plaza in Serbia is part of the wider Olympus Plaza Food Parks network from Greece, a recognized leader in highway hospitality and catering. Operating along the E75 corridor in partnership with EKO fuel stations, the company combines Greek operational expertise with a concept adapted to the Serbian market, focusing on local gastronomy, high service standards, and the needs of travelers on one of the region’s busiest routes.

Natasa Savic, General Director of  Olympus Plaza

Olympus Plaza in Serbia is part of Olympus Plaza Food Parks Greece, which is undoubtedly a leader in catering and highway commerce in Greece. How have the experiences and challenges from the Greek market shaped the company’s vision and strategy, and how is this vision adapted to the specificities of the Serbian market?
Olympus Plaza in Serbia, relative Company of a Great Chain. Actually the chain in Serbia is a non-branded concept, based on the Local Gastronomy with an international touch. In Greece the Olympus Plaza retail network operates under franchise agreements with the well-known brands, such us EVEREST, FLOCAFE, GOODY’S etc.

How would you describe the evolution of Olympus Plaza since its establishment in 2006, and what have been the greatest challenges you have faced during these years?
Since the establishment in 2006, the Company faced several difficulties in order to reach the maturity period. As an official partner of EKO fuel stations in Serbia, the maturity period was a long time due to several and consecutive crisis. The competition in highway gas stations and rest area facilities was quite strong, due to regional dominant brands.

The company operates as a chain of restaurants along the important E75 corridor, in partnership with EKO Serbia service stations. How does operating in these specific locations differ from traditional hospitality establishments, and how does this shape the services you provide?
Highway operations have different standards than traditional l hospitality establishments. Mostly we operate 24hours under difficult circumstances, such us many customers at the same time , coming by tourists bases and individuals from foreign countries with special gastronomy cultures.

Olympus Plaza recently received the Special Award for Best Service at the 2025 Taste Awards. What does this recognition mean for your team, and how does it influence the way you approach hospitality and customer experience?
It is a great honor for Olympus Plaza to get this award. That means a lot for our management team and the staff in general. We follow high standards in terms of hygiene and certificates of quality. Our Company is certificated by all Haccp,  ISO certificates and also FOUR STARS certification, adapted in Serbian Gastronomy Rating. Our Staff attend training programmes on annual base and pass all the survey control on monthly base.

How do you plan to develop Olympus Plaza’s operations, and what are the key areas of focus for improving services and enhancing the travelers’ experience?
Olympus Plaza operates exclusively at EKO fuel stations in Serbia and we follow the development plan of EKO accordingly.

You have been working at Olympus Plaza since 2006, and you have held the position of Director since 2015. Your professional development has progressed alongside the company’s growth. How do you assess your contribution to the improvement of its operations and overall expansion?
Since 2006, I have been part of Olympus Plaza, and my professional development has truly grown alongside the company. This has enabled me to build an in-depth understanding of the operational system, the market, and the specific characteristics of doing business in the highway and hospitality sector. As Director since 2015, my focus has been on system stability, a clear structure of responsibilities, and long-term sustainable growth. I see my contribution in improving operational efficiency, standardizing processes, and strengthening a team culture based on discipline and results. In a dynamic and seasonally sensitive environment, the ability to make quick decisions and adapt to market conditions is crucial for growth – and this is precisely where I recognize my leadership role. The company’s expansion is not the result of coincidence, but of the consistent implementation of strategy, cost control, service quality enhancement, and continuous improvement of our offering. I believe my contribution lies exactly in that – transforming the owners’ vision into operational reality and measurable results.

As a woman in a decision-making position, how do you perceive your role and impact within the leadership structure, and what does this position represent to you personally and professionally?
Leadership, to me, is not a matter of gender, but of responsibility and capability. Nevertheless, as a woman in a decision-making position, I am aware of the additional symbolism and responsibility that this role carries. I believe I bring to the leadership structure a combination of determination, analytical thinking, and well-developed emotional intelligence. Managing teams in a demanding operational environment requires clear boundaries, but also an understanding of people – and I consider the balance between these two elements to be my strength. On a personal level, this position represents confirmation of many years of hard work, discipline, and professional dedication. Professionally, it represents an obligation to continuously raise standards, develop the team, and contribute to the company’s long-term stability and reputation. I believe that authority is not imposed, but built – through consistency, results, and personal example.

Your company is a member of the Hellenic Business Association and actively supports its work. What does the HBA represent for you, and what are your expectations from its activities?
Hellenic Business Association is an active Association which provides all members with networking opportunities and business support. The Association plays also lobbing role, therefore it is important for members to communicate any kind of local problems with the Public Sector.