This March marks a year since Premo’s reopened after a fire caused the longtime Oak Lawn business to close for three months.
“We had a small fire, something that while not devastating can often put a mom-and-pop shop like our own out of business. From day one the outpouring of support that we received from the community was overwhelming,” said Louie Georgacopoulos, who owns Premo’s with his wife, Sherrie Georgacopoulos.
“When we reopened last March people would actually stop in just to tell us how happy they were that we reopened.”
Here is the dish on this local eatery, which has been going for more than 50 years:
On the menu: Diner fare such as burgers, hot dogs and cheese curds plus desserts such as banana splits, edible cookie dough waffle bowl and funnel cake sundae.
“We have a chargrill here so we’re known for our char chicken sandwiches. We buy the chicken breasts ourselves, cut them down to size and marinate them so they’re always fresh,” said Louie Georgacopoulos, an Oak Lawn native who now lives in Mokena.
“It’s that open-flame thing. It has that feel like it’s been cooked outside. It just reminds people of summer and nice days.”
About the owners: “It’s always been a family-owned business. We’re the fifth family to own it,” said Louie Georgacopoulos, who bought the business from Konstantino “Gus” Selas when it was called Premo’s Drive In.
Louie Georgacopoulos said his father, George Georgacopoulos, was an original partner with him and his wife in Premo’s and previously owned the former G&N Snack Shop in Chicago with his uncle Nick Theodosopoulos and what is now Camelot Banquets in Hickory Hills.
“My wife grew up working at an old-fashioned car hop place in Oak Forest. It was an A&W. Growing up she and I both worked at Mickey’s Gyros in Tinley Park, which is where we actually met,” Louie Georgacopoulos said.
A mission statement: “It’s a busy world so it’s important that we get really quality food as fresh as possible and out to people in a decent amount of time without compromising taste or quality,” Louie Georgacopoulos said.
Decor: “We’re an old diner-like feel. Our colors are purple and white. You do step back in time when you come in. We have that retro feel,” Louie Georgacopoulos said.
Specialties: “This place was known for years for its ice cream and I think we’ve done a good job of keeping that standard,” Louie Georgacopoulos said.
“We try to do something for any upcoming holidays. With St. Patrick’s Day coming up we have a whole line of St. Patrick’s Day treats. We actually make caramel out of Guinness.”
We’re different because: “There’s a common misconception that we close in the winter,” Louie Georgacopoulos said.
“Premo’s is something that has that nostalgic summer memory, good time, easy living kind of thing. We try to keep that going year round.”
Prices: Start at $2.04 for appetizers, $2.55 for sandwiches and more, $3.15 for open-flame burgers, $3.57 for hot dogs and Polish sausage, $5.48 for specials and $6.69 for fry meals.
Desserts start at $2.29 for cones, $3.49 for standard sundaes, $3.99 for Glaciers, $4.25 for specialty sundaes and $5.69 for banana splits.
Drinks start at $1.50 for soft drinks, $3.14 for shakes, $3.40 for malts, $3.52 for specialty shake flavors, $3.74 for floats and sodas, and $6.51 for premium shakes.
Logistics: Premo’s is at 5540 W. 95th St., Oak Lawn. Hours are 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 1-8 p.m. Sundays and 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays during winter. Hours are extended in warmer months. Call 708-423-8282 or go to www.facebook.com/premoseyescream
More Top Picks Are You Facing Problems When Youre Copping Vegetables Then We Have A Solution For You With The 7 Best Electric Spiralizers
.Dining note: Would you like your Southland restaurant to be featured in a dining profile? Contact [email protected] with the name and location of your establishment and a person’s contact information.
Jessi Virtusio is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.