Marketplace®

Daily business news and economic stories

Athens bakery owner doesn’t dwell on the present

'Things can start getting better for all of us, not only my shop.'

Greek prime minister Alexis Tsipras said Wednesday he’s close to finalizing the $96.3 billion European bailout package, which his government agreed to while we were in Athens in July.

One of the people we talked to was Olga Karastathi, who runs Chemin bakery and cafe. She’s the one who said if you’ve only got 5 euros in your pocket, why not spend it on a good cup of coffee?

When we checked back in with her recently, she didn’t have booming news about her business.

“The situation remains the same. Nothing has changed yet for the real economy,” she says.

 Last time, Karastathi expressed optimism that conditions in Greece would improve. For now, she’s keeping hold of that perspective.

“If Greece makes major reforms … then I guess things can start getting better for all of us, not only my shop,” she says.

And if things don’t?

“Oh, I don’t know. I don’t want to think about it right now. I want to focus on my business and how to get things better. For example, I intend to add some more products,” Karastathi explains.

She also hopes to get the word out about her bakery.

“And of course I have a job for you,” she says. “You can [help me] be worldwide famous.”

Click on the media player above to hear more.

Related Topics

Collections:

Latest Episodes

View All Shows
  • Marketplace
    2 days ago
    26:11
  • Make Me Smart
    2 days ago
    28:43
  • Marketplace Morning Report
    2 days ago
    6:58
  • Marketplace Tech
    2 days ago
    12:22
  • Million Bazillion
    5 days ago
    5:01
  • This Is Uncomfortable
    a month ago
    2:27
  • Financially Inclined
    2 months ago
    12:30
  • How We Survive
    2 months ago
    22:09
  • The Uncertain Hour
    4 months ago
    22:50
  • Corner Office from Marketplace
    5 years ago
    20:58