NILES — When customers sink into their regular booth at Prime Table Restaurant, they know they can expect more than an enticing and familiar menu.

As their steaming plates of homemade meatballs and spaghetti — or any other comfort food — are served, inevitably one of the owners: Mary, Nick or their son, Bill Giannakakis, will appear to chat with them and assure that their food tastes just right.

For the Giannakakis family, this customer connection is inevitably part of why they will have reached an important anniversary milestone in April, when they celebrate 25 years of business in Niles.

“It’s a pretty big deal and something we are very proud of,” Bill said of the milestone. “We have a lot of nice relationships with our customers — some who have been coming here for 25 years or close to it.”

Husband and wife, Nick and Mary, first opened Prime Table, at 1915 S. 11th St. in 1993. Today, their son Bill works alongside them, helping to run the day to day operations of the popular dining establishment.

Since opening their doors 25 years ago, customers have flocked to the restaurant to eat from a menu loaded with breakfast, lunch and dinner choices, including homemade meatloaf, stuffed cabbage, freshly made soups and desserts. Customers can also get a taste of the owner’s Greek heritage in menu items like the Gyro and Greek style chicken and pork chops. 

Mary and Nick moved from Greece to America in the late 1960s, when Nick started working in the restaurant industry.

“It’s something that I learned how to do when I came here,” Nick said. “It’s been an excellent opportunity for me.”

Since then, he has accumulated 50 years of experience
in the business.

Before owning his own business, Nick worked as a cook for his uncles, who ran a restaurant in Chicago. After watching them work, Nick said he began to dream of owning his own dining establishment. He opened his own restaurant in the suburbs of the Chicago, but eventually decided to move his family to Niles and carry on that dream. 

For Mary’s part, she had worked in cosmetology before sharing the vision with her husband to own her own restaurant. Regulars who visit Prime Table expect to see Mary stationed at the front of the restaurant or dropping by a table to chat and check on the status of their food.

Bill said he grew up helping at Prime Table, alongside his three sisters.

Bill went on to college, all the while continuing his work at the restaurant. Looking back at his family’s time in the industry, Bill said it has been rewarding to feel like an important part of the Niles community.

“You get to build relationships with customers,” Bill said. “You also see generations of customers. People used to bring in their kids and now their kids are bringing in their kids.”

On a typical Monday evening, Gene and Helen Henderson, of Niles, enjoyed their meal.

“It’s always wonderful,” Helen said of the cuisine. “I like everything [on the menu].”

At an adjacent table, Marge and Bob Agostino, of Niles, also enjoyed a regular dinner. The couple said Prime Table is on their way home from work, so it was a convenient and delicious place to stop and grab a bite.

Each time they visit, Marge said they like to chat with Mary, Bill or Nick.

“We like to come in and razz them,” Marge joked.

Regular customers are not the only ones who have recognized the restaurant for their great food and service. In the past, several local media organizations have recognized the restaurant and awarded them the readers’ choice Best of the Best family restaurant.

Prime Table is open from 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Sunday. For more information, visit primetableniles.com.