Aug 18, 2015 | Cheezborger, Michigan Avenue
The following is an excerpt from Rick Kogan’s book “A Chicago Tavern. A Goat, a Curse, and the American Dream.”
Bill Murray is hungry and that is why we are walking toward one of the Goat’s red-and-white-checkered tables. He is here in June 1999 to promote a book he has written, Cinderella Story: My Life in Golf. Waiter Tito Chacon recognizes him immediately.
“Billy Murray,” he says. “You are the funniest.”
“The funniest what?” Says Murray.
Sam sees Murray and walks over. The two men hug.
“How’s your oldest boy?” asks Sam.
“He’s huge,” says Murray, whose two grown sons have been coming to the Goat since they were kids. “He could swallow both of us. All he needs is a couple of tattoos.”
The two men talk for a while. A couple of pictures are taken.
“I saw that new place of yours over by the United Center,” Murray says. “For a minute I thought they’d run you out of here.”
“No, no,” says Sam. “I always will have this place.”
“Sam, you’re the most successful Greek in the world,” Murray says.
“You help make that happen,” says Sam.
“Don’t blame me,” says Murray.
Check out the book “A Chicago Tavern.” You’ll find the most complete set of Billy Goat Tavern stories available. Buy it now in our online store! https://www.billygoattavern.com/souvenirs/index.php/all-products/book-a-chicago-tavern.html
Apr 19, 2013 | Billy Goat Curse, Cheezborger, Michigan Avenue, SNL
Check out this great interview on Billy Goat history with Bill Sianis:
http://chicago.eater.com/archives/2013/04/17/billy-goat.php
For the complete history of the legendary Billy Goat Tavern, check out Rick Kogan’s Book “A Chicago Tavern” https://www.billygoattavern.com/souvenirs/index.php/books/book-a-chicago-tavern.html
Sep 12, 2012 | Billy Goat Curse, Cheezborger, Souvenirs
Our good friend Rick Kogan wrote a complete history of the world-famous Billy Goat Tavern – A Chicago Tavern a Goat, a Curse, and the American Dream. This is the story of a real Chicago legend. It’s packed with tales that include:
- The antics of “Chicago’s Greatest Inn Keeper” – William Sianis
- The real story of The Billy Goat Curse
- Billy’s Nephew Sam Sianis
- The SNL skit that immortalized Sam and his tavern
- Mike Royko and the journalists who are regulars
BUY IT NOW! https://www.billygoattavern.com/souvenirs/index.php/all-products/book-a-chicago-tavern.html
- A Chicago Tavern by Rick Kogan
Aug 7, 2012 | SNL
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”!
