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Cypriot Culinary Venture: Hello Halloumi Redefines New York’s Bakery Scene

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

November 10, 2025

In a modest 37-square-meter space on Greenwich Avenue, entrepreneur Constantinos Papadakis introduces New Yorkers to the authentic flavors of Cypriot cuisine with the launch of his artisanal bakery, Hello Halloumi. Stationed at the crossroads of innovation and tradition, this new establishment fills a notable void in New York’s culinary landscape—from an assortment of sweet treats to a diverse range of savory offerings.

Identifying A Market Opportunity

Papadakis, a native of Nicosia, noticed a market gap where bakeries predominantly catered to sweet cravings. Drawing on his profound connection to Cypriot culture, family traditions, and a deep-rooted passion for the island’s cuisine, he successfully built a business around a signature product: halloumi cheese. “I observed that New York lacked bakeries offering savory options, and the small, bite-sized products invite customers to savor a variety of creations rather than committing to one flavor,” he explains.

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A Fusion Of Experience And Heritage

Growing up in Nicosia and honed by his years in the New York restaurant industry and later in real estate investment and financing, Papadakis merged his diverse experiences to create a distinctive venture. The bakery’s menu features an array of savory bites, from fried delicacies and twist pastries to mini bagels and focaccias infused with halloumi, alongside traditional Cypriot specialties such as olive-based dishes, spanakopita, and cheese pies. Recent menu expansions include sandwiches and upcoming offerings of fresh salads.

Building A Community Around Authenticity

Central to the ethos of Hello Halloumi is not only the celebration of Cypriot culinary traditions but also the spirit of community. Papadakis’s commitment to authenticity is reflected in every detail, including a proudly displayed Protected Origin Status (P.D.O.) label that educates customers on the product’s heritage. The bakery sources its halloumi directly from a local Cypriot restaurateur, Alex, ensuring that the cheese retains its genuine quality while also supporting another small business from the island.

Overcoming Challenges And Embracing Success

While the concept of savory baked goods was readily embraced by consumers—with customers reportedly traveling hours for a taste—the initial challenge lay in convincing property owners of the potential of such an unconventional idea. “I assumed introducing halloumi would be the primary challenge, but it turned out that gaining support for the physical space was the real hurdle,” Papadakis recounts. Once these stakeholders recognized the concept, the prospects quickly aligned with his vision.

A Viral Sensation With A Strategic Edge

Hello Halloumi has already garnered significant media attention from outlets like Forbes, Eater, NBC, The London Times, and FOX, largely thanks to a savvy social media and public relations strategy. The West Village, with its vibrant community and receptive audience for culinary innovation, provided the perfect launchpad—a neighborhood Papadakis affectionately describes as his favorite.

Future Growth And Collaborative Opportunities

Looking ahead, Papadakis envisions Hello Halloumi as more than just a bakery—a platform for showcasing other Cypriot products. Future plans include collaborations with Cypriot producers of olive oil and other small-scale artisanal goods, expanding the business across neighborhoods in New York and eventually into major U.S. cities, with a long-term goal of a presence in Cyprus.

Sharing A Taste Of Home

For Constantinos Papadakis, this venture is not only a business endeavor but also a heartfelt mission to share the warmth and uniqueness of Cypriot culture with the world. “I take great pride in representing Cyprus and demonstrating what makes our cuisine so distinct. Every time someone tries halloumi for the first time, it feels like I am sharing a piece of my home,” he states.

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Cyprus Income Distribution 2024: An In-Depth Breakdown of Economic Classes

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

December 24, 2025

New findings from the Cyprus Statistical Service offer a comprehensive analysis of the nation’s income stratification in 2024. The report, titled Population By Income Class, provides critical insights into the proportions of the population that fall within the middle, upper, and lower income brackets, as well as those at risk of poverty.

Income Distribution Overview

The data for 2024 show that 64.6% of the population falls within the middle income class – a modest increase from 63% in 2011. However, it is noteworthy that the range for this class begins at a comparatively low threshold of €15,501. Meanwhile, 27.8% of the population continues to reside in the lower income bracket (a figure largely unchanged from 27.7% in 2011), with nearly 14.6% of these individuals identified as at risk of poverty. The upper income class accounted for 7.6% of the population, a slight decline from 9.1% in 2011.

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Income Brackets And Their Thresholds

According to the report, the median equivalent disposable national income reached €20,666 in 2024. The upper limit of the lower income class was established at €15,500, and the threshold for poverty risk was set at €12,400. The middle income category spans from €15,501 to €41,332, while any household earning over €41,333 is classified in the upper income class. The median equivalents for each group were reported at €12,271 for the lower, €23,517 for the middle, and €51,316 for the upper income classes.

Methodological Insights And Comparative Findings

Employing the methodology recommended by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the report defines the middle income class as households earning between 75% and 200% of the national median income. In contrast, incomes exceeding 200% of the median classify households as upper income, while those earning below 75% fall into the lower income category.

Detailed Findings Across Income Segments

Upper Income Class: Comprising 73,055 individuals (7.6% of the population), this group had a median equivalent disposable income of €51,136. Notably, the share of individuals in this category has contracted since 2011.
Upper Middle Income Segment: This subgroup includes 112,694 people (11.7% of the population) with a median income of €34,961. Combined with the upper income class, they represent 185,749 individuals.
Middle Income Group: Encompassing 30.3% of the population (approximately 294,624 individuals), this segment reports a median disposable income of €24,975.
Lower Middle And Lower Income Classes: The lower middle income category includes 22.2% of the population (211,768 individuals) with a median income of €17,800, while the lower income class accounts for 27.8% (267,557 individuals) with a median income of €12,271.

Payment Behaviors And Economic Implications

The report also examines how income levels influence repayment behavior for primary residence loans or rental payments. Historically, households in the lower income class have experienced the greatest delays. In 2024, 27.0% of those in the lower income bracket were late on payments—a significant improvement from 34.6% in 2011. For the middle income class, late payments were observed in 9.9% of cases, down from 21.4% in 2011. Among the upper income class, only 3% experienced delays, compared to 9.9% previously.

This detailed analysis underscores shifts in income distribution and repayment behavior across Cyprus, reflecting broader economic trends that are critical for policymakers and investors to consider as they navigate the evolving financial landscape.