Laconiko Opens New Tasting Room and Expanded Warehouse in Manassas

One morning in 2008, Diamantis Pierrakos received a phone call from his father Vasilios that was warm, loving, and ultimately—life-changing.

His father needed him to decide on the future of the olive grove in Lakonia, Greece which had been his family’s home for four generations. Sell it or inherit his father’s beloved profession and livelihood.

"I called my brother Dino, and I said – I don’t think I can sell it," said Diamantis. "And we resolved right then that together we would have to keep it and make it the absolute best olive oil brand in the world."

Earlier this month, Laconiko celebrated not only their 15-year anniversary, but also their 15,000 square foot headquarters expansion and new tasting room at 11301 Braden Drive in Manassas.

The grand opening was a special marker for wholesale customers, including gourmet shops and resellers across the Greater Washington, D.C. area, as well as the entire Pierrakos family. The crowd toasted the legacy of Vasilios, who passed away in 2016, with jubilant music, food, laughter, and a few happy tears.

"We are honored to officially open the doors of Laconiko as a beacon of high-quality extra virgin olive oil," said Dino. "Thank you to all of [our customers] so much for celebrating this day with us, because without you, we wouldn't be here."

In addition to the regular extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), the international award-winning Laconiko brand produces more than 20 types of flavored olive oils sold throughout the world, with major markets in Japan and Korea. With an acidity of less than 0.18%, the olive oil is categorized as “extra-virgin," and must be harvested when the olives are exactly ripe – typically starting in October. There are no refined oils or chemical treatments in their products.

The olives are pressed on the farm and transported from Greece to the United States in temperature-controlled shipping containers. Over the last decade, most of their shipments came through the Port of Baltimore.

When the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed in March 2024, their shipments were stuck offshore, and the brothers had to pivot quickly to reroute their shipments to Norfolk and organize trucking to Manassas.

By contacting the Prince William County Department of Economic Development and Tourism (PWCEDT) with their issue, the Pierrakos brothers helped motivate the U.S. Small Business Administration’s decision to expand disaster loan applications for the Key Bridge Disaster to include Prince William County businesses.

“This is a homegrown story of persistence and passion,” said Christina Winn, executive director, PWCDED. “Thank you to Diamantis and Dino for staying in Prince William County and making everyone feel like family!”