1,000 Greek Chicken Meals: Can Niko's Shatter 1-Day Record?

JOLIET, IL — Nikos Lippas, owner of Niko's Pizzeria in downtown Joliet, intends to shatter his personal single-day record by selling 1,000 Greek chicken meals this Wednesday, Oct. 27. In March, Niko's sold 520 Greek chicken meals, and that's his current one-day feat.

Lippas told Joliet Patch he is so committed to selling 1,000 Greek chickens next Wednesday that he is shutting down sales for the rest of his menu that day. His takeout restaurant is located at 20 Ohio St. Only one food will be available for customers Wednesday: Niko's popular Greek chicken meal that comes from his family's secret recipe in Greece.

For $8.99, Niko's customers will receive a half-chicken, rice and Greek potatoes, he said.

"I always wanted to reach my goal at 1,000 chickens," Lippas said. "My all-time was 520 orders, and I disappointed a lot of people because I didn't get enough chicken. So this time, I will make sure I have enough chicken for everybody."

Lippas told Joliet Patch he wants to spread the word throughout the surrounding Joliet area that people can start placing their carryout orders now.

He strongly urges people to call ahead to place their orders.

"I would love the support from the town to reach my goal," he said. "I do (the Greek chicken meals) only once every couple of months. Call ahead to pre-order. They can pre-order, they can come in, pick up or delivery."

Niko's will begin selling the Greek chicken meals as soon as he opens at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday.

"It will be 10:30 to until we sell out," he said. "That day will only be chickens. No pizzas, no sandwiches, only Greek chicken.

"The chicken will be marinated with extra, extra, extra virgin olive oil from my family's trees in Kalamata, Greece," he said.

Lippas wanted everyone to know that due to overwhelming popular demand, a new shipment of his popular extra, extra, extra virgin olive oil will be arriving in Joliet in the coming weeks.

He had been selling half-gallon bottles for $19.99.

"I only have enough to do my Greek chicken, and I got a new shipment coming in November," he said.

"I appreciate all my customers and all the support throughout all those years," Lippas said. "Tell them we'll see you all Wednesday and stay hungry, my friends.

"Only in Niko's, don't miss out."

As many people around Joliet know, Lippas makes a number of generous donations to help out the community. Niko's is open Tuesday through Sunday.

The phone number to place your carryout orders for Niko's Greek chicken meals is 815-722-8800.