Bright Star . In 1907, Greek immigrant Tom Bonduris invested his savings and opened a small cafe with only a horseshoe shaped bar at First Avenue and 21st Street in Bessemer, Alabama. Outgrowing three locations, the Bright Star moved to this site in 1915, and introduced patrons to a new dining atmosphere. The interior of the restaurant has remained true to its 1915 glory, with handpainted murals on the walls, a marble-tiled floor, and a couple of private curtained booths. Major alterations and renovations of the premise and kitchen were completed in 1966. The dining room was expanded in 1978 with the addition of the “1907” room. Another expansion of the Bright Star occurred in 1985 with the addition of the “Dixie” and the “Green” rooms. Throughout the years, the Bright Star's reputation and longevity excelled because of one family's continued commitment to outstanding service and superior cuisine, and the dedication of loyal staff members.,
Koikos Restaurant . Family patriarchs Bill and Pete Koikos immigrated from Greece in 1923, and two years later purchased an ownership interest in the Bright Star from Tom Bonduris, who opened it in 1907. In 1966, Bill's two sons, Jim and Nick Koikos, became owners and operators of the business. Since opening, the Bright Star experienced remarkable growth, expanding from a 25-seat cafe to a 300-seat restaurant, all without sacrificing quality. The Bright Star has garnered numerous awards, including being listed since 2005 in the “100 dishes to eat in Alabama before you die” brochure created by the Alabama Tourism Department. In 2010, it was honored by the James Beard Foundation with the America Classics Award. The America Classics Award is given to five restaurants a year with "timeless appeal, beloved for quality food that reflects the character of their community-from small, regional restaurants, watering holes and shacks, to lunch counters and down-home eateries that have carved out a special place on the American culinary landscape.”
Bright Star
In 1907, Greek immigrant Tom Bonduris invested his savings and opened a small cafe with only a horseshoe shaped bar at First Avenue and 21st Street in Bessemer, Alabama. Outgrowing three locations, the Bright Star moved to this site in 1915, and introduced patrons to a new dining atmosphere. The interior of the restaurant has remained true to its 1915 glory, with handpainted murals on the walls, a marble-tiled floor, and a couple of private curtained booths. Major alterations and renovations of the premise and kitchen were completed in 1966. The dining room was expanded in 1978 with the addition of the “1907” room. Another expansion of the Bright Star occurred in 1985 with the addition of the “Dixie” and the “Green” rooms. Throughout the years, the Bright Star's reputation and longevity excelled because of one family's continued commitment to outstanding service and superior cuisine, and the dedication of loyal staff members.
Koikos Restaurant
Family patriarchs Bill and Pete Koikos immigrated from Greece in 1923, and two years later purchased an ownership interest in the Bright Star from Tom Bonduris, who opened it in 1907. In 1966, Bill's two sons, Jim and Nick Koikos, became owners and operators of the business. Since
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opening, the Bright Star experienced remarkable growth, expanding from a 25-seat cafe to a 300-seat restaurant, all without sacrificing quality. The Bright Star has garnered numerous awards, including being listed since 2005 in the “100 dishes to eat in Alabama before you die” brochure created by the Alabama Tourism Department. In 2010, it was honored by the James Beard Foundation with the America Classics Award. The America Classics Award is given to five restaurants a year with "timeless appeal, beloved for quality food that reflects the character of their community-from small, regional restaurants, watering holes and shacks, to lunch counters and down-home eateries that have carved out a special place on the American culinary landscape.”
Erected 2010 by The Alabama Tourism Department.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Alabama Tourism Department series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1907.
Location. 33° 24.148′ N, 86° 57.219′ W. Marker is in Bessemer, Alabama, in Jefferson County. It is on 19th Street N, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 304 19th St, Bessemer AL 35020, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Birmingham Metropolitan Area. It is also in the American South and specifically in the Deep South. Globally, it is in North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on August 26, 2010, by Dodson M. Curry of Birmingham, Alabama. This page has been viewed 2,208 times since then and 75 times this year. Last updated on May 28, 2015, by J. Makali Bruton of Washington, District of Columbia. Photos:1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on August 26, 2010, by Dodson M. Curry of Birmingham, Alabama. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
