Koikos Restaurant - Bessemer, AL - Alabama Historical Markers on Waymarking.com

Historical marker recounting the growth and recognition of the premier restaurant in Bessemer from its beginning as asmall cafe. The marker is located in front of the Bright Star Restaurant at the corner of 19th Street N and 3rd Avenue N. The marker was placed by the Alabama Tourism Department.

Marker Name: Koikos Restaurant Marker Type: Urban Addtional Information:: “An American Classic” Family patriarchs Bill and Pete Koikos immigrated from Greece in 1923, and two years later purchased an ownership interest in the Bright Star from Tom Bonduris, who opened it in 1907. In 1966, Bill’s two sons, Jim and Nick Koikos, became owners and operators of the business. Since opening, the Bright Star experienced remarkable growth, expanding from a 25-seat café to a 300-seat restaurant, all without sacrificing quality. The Bright Star has garnered numerous awards, including being listed since 2005 in the “100 dishes to eat in Alabama before you die” brochure created by the Alabama Tourism Department. In 2010, it was honored by the James Beard Foundation with the American Classics Award. The American Classics award is given to the five restaurants a year with “timeless appeal, beloved for quality food that reflects the character of their community – from small regional restaurants, watering holes and shacks, to lunch counters and down-home eateries that have carved out a special place on the American culinary landscape.” Date Dedicated / Placed: 2010 Marker Number: None

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