Above: Birimingham-based Taziki’s is finding a following across 15 states with its Mediterranean-inspired dishes. (contributed)

Hummus is humongous. Pasta is popular. Kabobs are cool. Gyros have hit another gear.

Birmingham’s Taziki’s Mediterranean Café marked a major milestone with the opening of its 50^th location nationally in Tulsa, Okla.

With another location opening in Opelika next week and one more slated for Atlanta this month, Taziki’s will hit 40 percent growth for 2015.

Taziki’s CEO Jim Keet said maintaining quality with the rapid growth is key. (contributed)

Oklahoma joins Florida, Mississippi and Kentucky as new states where Taziki’s opened restaurants this year. The Birmingham-based chain now covers 15 states.

And it’s not done yet.

“Taziki’s has a bright future ahead, and we have big plans for next year,” said Taziki’s CEO Jim Keet. “We plan to open at least 30 locations next year, and expect 2016 to be our breakout year.”

Many of those new locations will be in the company’s home state.

“We are excited about additional growth in our existing Alabama markets including additional stores in the greater Birmingham market and Huntsville,” Keet said. “We will be opening in new markets soon. These include Opelika, Mobile, Daphne, Dothan and other cities across the state.”

The Mediterranean-inspired dishes at Taziki’s are finding a following and making it a hot franchise.

Taziki’s chicken Caesar salad. (contributed)

Taziki’s turkey club ciabatta. (contributed)

Taziki’s child’s plate. (contributed)

Taziki’s grilled cheese. (contributed)

Taziki’s grilled vegetable plate. (contributed)

Taziki’s hummus. (contributed)

Taziki’s Mediterranean turkey melt. (contributed)

Taziki’s signature pasta. (contributed)

Taziki’s fish taco. (contributed)

Taziki’s sneaky Taziki. (contributed)

Taziki’s whole baked chicken. (contributed)

Taziki’s began 2015 by becoming the first national franchise to achieve REAL Certification, the emerging national standard for food service nutrition and sustainability given by the United States Healthful Food Council (USHFC). Taziki’s said it is the largest chain restaurant to complete the certification process.

“We’re proud for the opportunity to represent Taziki’s as its 50th store,” Mike Pierce, owner of Taziki’s Mediterranean Café in Tulsa. “I’m excited to associate myself with a fast-growing brand that prides itself on being fresh, casual and delicious.”

Keet said the company is constantly balancing its rate of growth with maintaining a high level of quality.

“Our company-owned locations and franchisees are all committed to excellence,” he said. “We instill a passion for the quality of our food from the first day of training, and preach it every day. We have a comprehensive standards assessment process that ensures quality and reinforces that passion.”

Keith Richards, Taziki’s founder and chief development officer, was on a trip to Greece with his wife, Amy, in 1997 when the idea for Taziki’s came to him.

“When I opened my first Taziki’s 17 years ago, I never imagined that we would have the opportunity to impact so many lives,” he said.

In addition to its expansion, Taziki’s has been recognized as one the top franchises by Franchise Business Review.

Richards was awarded the National Association of People Supporting Employment First Award for employing people with special needs.

Taziki’s now has 50 locations in 15 states. (contributed)

Taziki’s now has 50 locations in 15 states. (contributed)

Taziki’s now has 50 locations in 15 states. (contributed)

Taziki’s now has 50 locations in 15 states. (contributed)