MOUNT GREENWOOD — Antonios Cafe & Restaurant opened quietly on Tuesday, hoping to recapture the magic at 3335 W. 111th St.
Antonios replaces Magic Restaurant, a longtime breakfast spot in Mount Greenwood that closed after a fire on May 21, 2012.
New owner Antonios "Tony" Foukas believes his extensively renovated restaurant will appeal to former customers of the popular diner as well as new patrons.
"We took everything out. Only the four walls remained," Foukas said of the 18-month renovation.
Howard Ludwig says 99 menu items give everyone options:
The restaurant's reincarnation comes with several changes. Antonio's customers place their orders at a counter, pay their bill and take a number. Waitstaff then deliver food once it is prepared in the see-through kitchen.
"You are not obligated to leave tips," Foukas said of the new approach. He compared the "fast casual" style to other restaurants such as Culver's, The Patio Restaurants and Panera Bread.
Foukas, of northwest suburban Prospect Heights, has previously owned restaurants in Orland Park and Des Plaines. His cousin owns the building within Mount Greenwood's business district. Foukas decided to open the restaurant at his cousin's request.
Breakfast business at Antonios should benefit from the restaurant's location across the street from St. Christina Catholic Church. Already, several morning churchgoers have stopped into the 75-seat restaurant, Foukas said.
Antonios is open weekdays from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. and weekends from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Foukas said he's kept news of the opening quiet, allowing staff to work out small issues without the pressure of large crowds.
The restaurant employs 10 people, nearly all of which live within walking distance of Antonios, Foukas said.
"We live right down the street, and my kids go to school nearby. So, this is really convenient," said Kim Baugh, a server on Thursday.
Antonios menu boasts 99 items. Breakfast staples along with burgers, hot dogs, salads and roasted chicken dinners are all available.
Foukas, a Greek native, recommends the spanakopita and tyropita. These spinach and cheese pies ($4.25) are made with filo dough by Jenny Markos, Antonio's in-house baker. She also makes Greek cookies and rice pudding.
"She makes all the Greek specialties, even though she's Albanian," Foukas said.
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