John Vlahos

1939 - 2022

John Vlahos, The Man, The Myth, The Legend, Restaurant/Developer, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, February 26, 2022 at the age of 82. Beloved Husband of Theresa (Barbato). Devoted Father of Patricia (Peter) Brown and Sam (Justine) Vlahos. Loving Son of the late Sotirios and the late Panagiota and Son in Law to the late Louis and the late Josephine Barbato. Dear Brother to Peter/Taki Vlahos and the late Evelyn (Jim) Fuentes. Fond Grandfather of Jonathan Brown, Future Baby Vlahos and Future Baby Brown.

John Vlahos entered this world in 1939 in Sparta, Greece. From the moment he was born, the Spartan blood flowed through his veins that would later come in great use for his future. In 1955 he came to the United States at sixteen years old with only $40 in his pocket. What he did with that forty dollars, was the start of something colossal. He started in the food industry right after coming to this country working day and night. In the short amount of time he climbed the ranks of success from a dishwasher at Harveys, to become one of the top cooks at The Flame in Countryside. He had the type of entrepreneurial spirit that he only wanted to work for himself, wanting to become his own boss. In 1969, John finally opened his first restaurant, The Golden Steer Steakhouse in Forest Park. As soon as it opened, Golden Steer Steakhouse became a hot spot for great steaks, chops, ribs, seafood, and the world-famous French Onion Soup. During his ownership, there would be many famous faces that would dine at the Steer. From movie stars like Elizabeth Taylor (drank Jack Daniels neat), to numerous local politicians and many of the star Blackhawks players of that era such as Stan Mikita and Denis Savard. The Steer was the place to be. John later sold it to his brother after 10 years, to begin his next journey. Till this day, The Golden Steer is now over fifty years old still serving up the same classics today.



Directly after selling Golden Steer, the Western Suburb adventure began. Jonathan's Steakhouse in Lombard, became that new staple. Thirty-five years of selling great steaks, chops, ribs, seafood, and again his world-famous French Onion soup. Jonathan's paved the way for John's career within the West Suburbs. His famous onion loaf and butt steak still won't be forgotten. Even after all of that, John wouldn't settle and was destined for more. A chain of sports bars called Half-Time, where athletes during that time would frequent. A crab and oyster house, named Harpoon Louis', named after his father in law. Dual BBQ Restaurant called Texas Smoke Shack, which smoked meats would rival Texas. A couple of breakfast joints, Red Apple, which were home to the fluffiest baked omelets you could get and JT's Porch, which represented him and his wife Theresa's initials, that had award winning chicken wings and still have the same wings till this day.

Sometimes you wonder where he found the time to do all this, but then you remember, this man was a true spartan. His work ethic was unmatched, his knowledge was invaluable, his hospitality was a spiritual gift, and his heart was made of gold.

With everything he had going on, he still always had time for his number one priority in life, his family. John made sure to always take the time to be with his family whether it be up in Wisconsin at Lake Geneva or Disney World for 10 years straight. Soccer games, dancing recitals, cheerleading competitions, baseball games, football games, travel leagues, you could always count to find him somewhere in the stands. For his alone time, his passion was horse racing. John had a stable that housed his winning horses for years and when he was at the track and his horses were racing, somehow you would end up finding him always in the winners circle with his signature thumbs up after a victory.

Throughout the years, we can tell the kind of man John was, but the new age John Vlahos, brought much more to the table. A mentorship to all those around him, providing everyday knowledge and meaning to become successful. These mentorships will forever be passed directly through to families and children. While keeping John's legacy going, his Daughter and Son duo continued the suburban restaurant road and opened some of the most popular western suburbs restaurants under John's watchful eye. Fuller House, Pierce Tavern, & Bar Chido was John's new residency and his everyday mentorship brought to these locations will instill the future success till this day. He was also along for the ride with his wife, driving around the US in hopes to sell some of the best handcrafted furniture, and the results were a success.

The words above will always be what we remember of John, but what John would really want us all to remember is to always be yourself. Always be humble, be kind, don't be fearful, love everyday, don't take anything too seriously, breathe to succeed, and remember it's not about what others do, it's about what you do.

Family and Friends are to gather for the visitation Monday, March 7, 2022, from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Russo's Hillside Chapels, 4500 Roosevelt Road, Hillside IL 60162 (Located between Mannheim & Wolf Road). Funeral to follow Tuesday, March 8, 2022, from Russo's Hillside Chapels at 8:30 A.M., proceeding to Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church, 2501 South Wolf Road, Westchester, Illinois. Funeral Liturgy celebrated promptly at 10:00 A.M. Interment at Queen of Heaven Catholic Cemetery. For additional info call (708) 449-5300. Please visit Jonathan's personal tribute website at www.russohillsidechapels.com and sign his guestbook.