Since 1957, S&G Restaurant (Sam & George's) has been a staple for many people living in Lakeview and Lincoln Park.
"I think we are on our 5th generation of some of families that have grown up in the neighborhood," explains Frances Kontos who is the daughter of George Boudouvas who founded the restaurant with his younger brother, Sam.
Kontos fondly recalls the story of how the restaurant came to be. "In 1957 they pooled their money and borrowed some money from some relatives, and they opened the restaurant. They called it Sam and George because it sounded good together," says Kontos.
Kontos, along with her sister, Maria, and brother, John, now own S&G and most days, you'll find the sisters working at the restaurant-- much like their father and uncle did.
"I've grown up with it always. Even when we were little, we always came by. We helped dad out. I remember sitting on the potatoes sacks peeling potatoes on Saturdays and Sundays," recalls Kontos.
She adds that the restaurant is like a family member, and their customers are part of that family. Frank Campise has been a regular for 25 years, often bringing his family and friends.
"It's a family-run business. They know all their customer. They have high-quality food and they give great customer services. A lot of their employees have been here for a number of years, so they get to know the customers so it's more of a personal touch," says Campise.
That personal touch is part of what keeps bringing customer back. Well, that, and S&G's extensive menu which boasts more than 300 items including their very popular breakfast skillets which immediately caught the eyes of first time diners, Larry Wyatt and Robin Bell.
Wyatt says it was hard to chose, but in the end, he couldn't resist the "Country Skillet."
"It's got the hash browns, the chicken fried steak, biscuits and gravy, and I'm in hog heaven," he explains while showing off his skillet.
Bell was equally pleased with her omelette platter, describing the hash browns as "perfection."
But beyond the food, the couple says there's something special about S&G. "Immediately once we sat down we're chatting with other customers sitting across from us, so you know that there's this vibe in this place where families gather and you hang," says Wyatt.
Bell quickly adds, "it's very welcoming. It's like its a little bit of home."
Kontos says it's a sentiment shared by many customers, and it's what she's most proud of, explaining that when people come in, they feel like they're at home and we pretty much know all of our customers first names. "I think you can feel the joy sometimes," she adds.
Kontos says she also feels a special joy at the restaurant too. "I feel like every time I come in here, I feel my parents. I think they would be proud of us."