For more than half-a-century, a Tallahassee restaurant owner gained the love of his customers and the respect of food critics. Now George Koikos has died.
After immigrating to America from his native Greece, George Koikos settled in Tallahassee and immediately began winning the hearts and taste buds of local diners. His first Spartan Restaurant opened in the then-new Hotel Duval, then moved a block from the Capitol on Monroe. His Brothers Three and Brothers Three by the Sea eateries were also big hits. Former Wakulla County Sheriff David Harvey was a big fan and regular customer.
"So many good memories! The piano bar, the welcome, coming to your table, talking to you and then going to the next table, but everyone hoping he'd come to their table because they all loved him!"
Koikos's last restaurant was Giorgio's Fine Food and Spirits, which he opened in 1994. George Koikos was 92.
