Feb 7, 2017 | Michigan Avenue, Sam Sianis
“It was a big day,” says Sam. “I come in early that morning and I see two guys in suits just looking around the place.I ask if they need help and they say no so I just do what I always do and then go ti a lunch meeting. I’m there and I get a call and they say Bush is coming. I am shocked and I hurry back and they are all getting ready for the president. When he gets there he eats and sits with me and four regular customers and talks about family and politics. He wants to know the history of Billy Goat and he wants to know about Mike.”
Feb 2, 2017 | Billy Goat Curse, Sam Sianis
From the day the first goat stumbled into the Tavern, the Billy Goat Inn became a circus of animals. There were numerous goats, from beer drinking to dollar bill eating, but mostly beer drinking. An avid animal lover, Billy offered the tavern as their home. A long line of Goats from Billy “the original” to Murphy “The goat curse” have always been a regular staple at the legendary Tavern.
Jan 26, 2017 | Billy Goat Curse, Sam Sianis
The Tribune Company, new owners of the Cubs, finally invited the goat to opening day at Wrigley Field in an attempt to lift the curse, Sam Sianis and his goat finally walked the grass of Wrigley Field. Sam raised his hat and said, “The curse is lifted.” The Cubs won and won and won their way to their first post season game and division title in almost forty years. Sam and the goat again walked the field during Game 1 of the playoffs resulting in 2 consecutive home wins, but when they were left behind in Chicago while the cubs got swept in San Diego. With 8 eights left to get to the World Series, a routine ground ball went through the legs of first baseman, Leon Durham, sealing the fate of the cursed cubs and ending their World Series hopes.
Dec 29, 2016 | Sam Sianis
From a letter written by Mike Royko: “I’ve know Sam Sianis for many years and consider him one of my closest friends. He has so many fine qualities, many of them sadly lacking in our present society, that I’m not sure where to start, but I’ll try.”
“Work ethic: If everyone in this country tended to their jobs or businessses with Sam’s diligence, Japan would be up to its collective ears in red ink. Since taking over Billy Goat’s Tavern, he has turned it into one of the country’s best-known bars. He treats his employees fairly and earns their loyalty. In the meaning of service, Sam and his staff treat all of his customers alike, whether they are famous or an old bag lady who wants to sit in the corner to get out of the cold.”
Nobody makes a better flippin’ cheezborger!
Feb 15, 2016 | Cheezborger, Sam Sianis
Ain’t nothin’ better than a delicious Double Cheezborger straight from a sizzling grill – unless it’s a Triple Cheezborger, or a home run!
Ordering at the Billy Goat may go something like this: “Cheezborger! Cheezborger! You want doublecheez?!? Who’s next!?! WHO’S NEXT!?!” If you take more than one second to answer: “Don’t look at the menu, look at ME! I order for you – DOUBLECHEEZ!” If you only feel like a single: “No. DOUBLECHEEZ!!!” If it’s the end of the week: “It’s Friday, doublecheez for everybody! It’s payday! Triplecheez for the big guy!” Want French fries with that? “No fries – CHEEPS!” Thirsty? “No Pepsi – COKE!” To drink: “Coke or Diet?!”
Such rantings by the Billy Goat staff have gone on for almost 40 years and originated when Billy Goat Sianis and another Greek immigrant by the name of Bill Charuchas would entertain patrons by yelling out: “Try the double cheese! It’s the best! No fries, cheeps!” In the 1978, Sam Sianis and Charuchas were immortalized by Saturday Night Live’s John Belushi, Dan Aykroyd, Bill Murray and Loraine Newman. The sketch was originally written by Don Novello (of Father Guido Sarducci fame) when he was an advertising copywriter in Chicago. John Belushi and Bill Murray knew the Billy Goat from their Second City days, and the rest is history. As a result, the Billy Goat Tavern achieved national infamy. When in Chicago, Don Novello and Bill Murray still come by and visit Sam and the Billy Goat staff and have their “Doublecheezborger”!
Feb 5, 2016 | Careers, Lake Street, Madison, Michigan Avenue, Navy Pier, Sam Sianis, Yorktown Center
Billy Goat Tavern is currently accepting applications for ALL NINE locations! Work at a Chicago legend and learn from the man who made hard work synonymous with Chicago. There’s no better place in Chicago.
Visit our careers page to learn more:
www.billygoattavern.com/careers
