NILES, Ill. — After decades of redefining Mediterranean cuisine in Chicago, James Beard Award-winning chef Jimmy Bannos Jr. is returning with a deeply personal project: Kouklas Greek Eatery, his first solo restaurant since stepping away from The Purple Pig.
Opening this summer at 7620 N. Milwaukee Ave. in Niles, Kouklas is more than just a dining destination — it’s a love letter to Bannos Jr.’s Greek heritage, his culinary upbringing, and especially his two daughters.
A Restaurant Named By His Daughters
The inspiration behind the name came during a car ride with his girls, Olivia (9) and Gianna (11). As the trio brainstormed ideas, Gianna suggested “Kouklas,” a Greek term of endearment meaning “doll” or “beautiful girl.” The moment struck Bannos Jr. instantly.
“You should call it Kouklas,” Gianna said.
“I immediately knew what I’d name my restaurant,” he recalled.
The name symbolizes family warmth and hospitality, which will define the atmosphere of the 9,000-square-foot space.
The Space And Experience
Taking over the former Amici Ristorante, which served Italian food for over 30 years, Kouklas has been completely redesigned with a Mediterranean ambiance in mind. The space includes:
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A 150-seat dining room
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A bar for 18 guests
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A 100-seat all-season terrace
Bannos Jr. aims to create a rustic, inviting atmosphere where family-style meals and vibrant Greek energy come together.
Locally Sourced Ingredients, Globally Inspired Menu
The menu will offer a mix of:
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Homemade pita
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Handmade pastas
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Seafood from longtime suppliers
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Meats from Chicago-area butchers
Every dish will highlight seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. Bannos Jr. emphasized his commitment to quality, saying:
“Using a February tomato for a Greek salad would be a disservice…
I wouldn’t be able to watch it go out 50 times a night knowing it’s not as good as it could be.”
Open-Fire Cooking And Olive Wood Flavor
The kitchen features a custom-built open-fire grill — not your average charcoal setup. Bannos Jr. is experimenting with olive wood, lemon wood, and grapevine trimmings to emulate traditional Greek cooking methods.
The grill includes an electric rotisserie, perfect for whole chickens and lamb — staples of Greek cuisine — cooked by Executive Chef Kevin Stack, a longtime collaborator from The Purple Pig days.
“We want to bring out the best flavors and techniques that we possibly can,” Bannos Jr. explained.
High-Quality Olive Oils From Greece
In addition to the fire-cooked meats and handmade pastas, Kouklas will use high-quality and rare olive oils directly from Greece, adding authenticity and richness to each dish.
Generational Legacy In The Kitchen
Food runs deep in the Bannos family. Jimmy Bannos Sr., the chef behind Heaven on Seven, introduced his son to restaurant life at age 5. Since then, they’ve worked together on several ventures — including The Purple Pig.
Though Sr. is taking a back seat this time around, Bannos Jr. appreciates the ongoing mentorship:
“It’s very lucky at this age that we’re still able to work together,” he said.
Kouklas is also a tribute to his great-grandparents and grandfather, who spent their lives working hard in Greek diners, bringing flavors of the homeland to America.
“This is kind of like a salute to them,” Bannos Jr. said.
When It Opens
Kouklas Greek Eatery is expected to open later this summer, welcoming diners who seek an authentic Greek experience with a modern twist.
For more info and updates, visit: kouklasgreekeatery.com
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