Chris Poulos, founder of Chris's Steakhouse in Fayetteville, dies at 91

“People thought it was the finest place to go, and it was,” said longtime customer Jimmy Gillis. “As far as steak, for years it was the only place you could get a good one.”

Born in Greece, Poulos came to Fayetteville in 1955 after completing service in the Greek Royal Army, his family said.

In 1963, Poulos founded Chris’s Steak House. The restaurant quickly became a favorite for its fine cuts of meat cooked over an open hearth. Customers liked that they could see their meal being cooked.

In the late 1970s, Poulos hired a young Greek immigrant, Greg Kalevas, to work at the restaurant. Even though Kalevas spoke little English at the time, he took to the work.

Although Poulos was first his employer then later his partner, Kalevas said he came to view him as a second father.

“You will never find a better gentleman and a better mentor,” he said.

Poulos is survived by his wife, Melba; three children; 10 grandchildren; and other family members.