All the way
from Sparta

Our story begins in the rugged foothills and fertile valleys of Sparta, Greece where Ted Velman was born in 1935. Ted was raised on a small family farm with his parents and two older siblings — the family grew their own fruits and vegetables, and even made their own wine. During the difficult and uncertain times of World War II, the Velman family was known to help feed the village with their multitude of garden goods.

In 1951 at the age of 16, Ted immigrated to the United States with his parents, joining his older brother and sister who had already made the journey.

After learning English, graduating from high school and spending a couple years attending Drake University, the legacy began to take shape in 1963 when Ted partnered with his brother, John Economos to open a new location of the original Coney Island in downtown Des Moines. It quickly became a local favorite and over time John and Ted would open 5 more restaurants around the Des Moines Metro area. In 1984, while the store was thriving, the downtown original Coney Island location was forced to close due to redevelopment by the city.

In 1985 Ted opened Ted's Coney Island on Ingersoll Avenue. It was there that many Des Moines residents were introduced to their first authentic Gyros sandwich and Ted's homemade Tzatziki sauce. With a recipe that consisted of 50% cucumbers, Ted's Tzatziki set itself apart from all the others.

Ted's is still located on Ingersoll Avenue and is operated by the Velman family.