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'Johnny's' Brothers See Bright Future in Shadow of Children's Hospital Site

By Paul Biasco | August 15, 2014 6:34am
 Nick, left, and Johnny Anastopoulos, the owners of of Johnny's Beef & Gyros.
Nick, left, and Johnny Anastopoulos, the owners of of Johnny's Beef & Gyros.
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DNAinfo/Paul Biasco

LINCOLN PARK — The two brothers behind Johnny's Beef & Gyros have had their ups and downs during their first year in business, but they said their successes prove small businesses can succeed.

Johnny and Nick Anastopoulos opened their gyro and burger joint across the street from the former Children's Memorial Hospital site a year ago this week.

They knew the situation with the shuttered hospital and struggles of nearby businesses when they moved in to 2300 N. Lincoln Ave., but trusted their food and were looking to the future.

One year into business, they say they are happy with that decision and have begun to build up a following in the neighborhood.

"Obviously opening knowing [the hospital] was closed we were a little skeptical at first, but we said the redevelopment is going to be huge," Johnny Anastopoulos said. "We are waiting on that to happen, but have really been rolling with the punches."

The brothers have seen a number of nearby businesses close such as Costello's, John Barleycorn and Nesh, but that isn't deterring them.

They said they saw an opportunity in opening before the redevelopment of the six-acre hospital site is complete.

"As soon as that turns around, who knows the potential," Johnny said.

What sets the classic Chicago-style spot apart is the quality of the menu, Johnny said, and for now its late night hours catering to those hitting the Lincoln Avenue bar scene.

They also feature the Big Daddy.

So far about 60 people have taken the Big Daddy challenge and only six or seven have completed the feat.

The Big Daddy features a double burger, gyros meat, cheese, grilled onions and cucumber sauce.

To complete the challenge, a customer must eat a double sized Big Daddy, an order of chili cheese fries and an Italian ice in under 30 minutes.

The Lincoln Park Johnny's is the brothers' second location; the first is in Joliet.

If all goes according to plan they hope to continue to expand the family business.

Although the business is named after Johnny, he is actually the younger brother at 27. Nick is 33.

"People always say, 'If he's the younger brother how did he get it?'" Johnny said. "The short answer is 'arm wrestling match.'"

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