NEW YORK – The New York Daily News highlighted ‘The 18 Oldest Restaurants in America’ on May 17 and it was no surprise to find one that was founded by a Greek immigrant. The Bright Star in Bessemer, Alabama, opened in 1907.

“Originally a 25-seat café with a horseshoe-shaped bar, but now a 330-seat restaurant, the Bright Star was founded in this Birmingham suburb by Greek immigrant Tom Bonduris, and has been run by members of the Koikos family, also from Greece, since 1925,” the Daily News reported, adding that “Birmingham has a long history of Greek-owned restaurants.”

“Southern fare, sometimes with a Greek accent, is the specialty,” the Daily News reported.

The Bright Star was also among the Greek-owned restaurants of Birmingham featured in a documentary film as The National Herald reported in March 2021. Birmingham-based filmmaker Jessica Chriesman’s ‘Philoxenia’ is a short documentary highlighting the synergy between the Greek notion of philoxenia (‘friend of the stranger’) and Southern hospitality, as expressed through Birmingham’s Greek-owned restaurants. The film features local favorites including The Bright Star, Ted’s Restaurant, Demetri’s BBQ, Johnny’s Restaurant, The Fish Market, and Gus’s Hot Dogs.

As noted on the Bright Star’s website: “The Bright Star’s exceptional longevity results from one family’s continued commitment to excellent food and service. Family patriarchs Bill and Pete Koikos emigrated from Greece in 1923 and two years later purchased an ownership interest in the restaurant from founder Tom Bonduris. Since 1966, Bill’s two sons, Jim and Nick Koikos have owned and operated the business.”

Broiled Greek-style Snapper, Beef Tenderloin-Greek Style, and Broiled Chicken Greek Style are specialties of the House. Other signature dishes include combination Seafood Gumbo, Lobster and Crabmeat Au-Gratin, and the Broiled Seafood Platter.

More information is available by phone: 205-426-1861 and online: https://thebrightstar.com/.