Karson’s Restaurant is Proud to be a Neighborhood Tradition

When Nick Bountinas came from Northern Greece to the United States to visit his sister many years ago, he did not intend to stay long, let alone make it his home. 

Now, he couldn’t imagine being anywhere else.  

Bountinas is the proud owner of here in .

Karson’s has been a town favorite for well over 40 years. Prior to becoming Karson’s, the restaurant was called the Golden Wheel Pancake House and remained so for 20 years. Standard American fare is offered with a focus on fresh, homemade ingredients and meals made from scratch.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served with a smile at Karson’s where regulars often frequent the neighborhood establishment. Skillets, omelets and pancakes are some customer favorites and the kitchen staff was busy preparing these breakfast staples when visited.

Bountinas faithfully comes to the restaurant every day to greet his customers and simply make sure everything runs smoothly. When Patch visited, we found Bountinas at a booth with his two friends, Dimitrios Alexakos and George “the Greek” Limperis. The three men had a natural camaraderie that was reminiscent of what one would find at neighborhood diners of years past. Banter was exchanged and laughter filled the dining room.

Photos of the owner with Chef Mario Vitale, Stedman Graham and several beauty queens grace the wall behind the checkout counter. Boutinas proudly pointed out the photos and spoke of the chance encounters he had with the celebrities through his line of work. “I’ve met many famous people” he said.

Before buying Karson's from the previous owner, Bountinas worked as an inspector for a bus company while simultaneously owning and operating Alexander’s Dumpling House on Cicero Avenue in Alsip. 

We asked the successful restaurateur if he had any advice for others to succeed in the business.  He advises potential new business owners against trying to open new restaurants now and says the best thing to do is “keep your money in your pocket” until the economy improves. 

He said that times are tough in this economy as people are not spending as much money as they previously did and in turn, not eating out as much. 
He is grateful for his loyal and regular customers and said that weekend mornings are the busiest at the restaurant. 

Although the breakfast menu is spectacular, Bountinas highly recommends the lunch and dinner choices such as the pot roast, smoked butt, corned beef and cabbage and shish kabobs. 

The restaurant is open 7 days a week from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.  The average tab per person is about $10 and a 10 percent senior discount is offered Monday through Thursday. A kids menu is available with many items to choose from including chocolate chip pancakes, spaghetti, burgers and more.