Legacy of Sam Sianis, Iconic Saloonkeeper

In the quieter hours between last call and sunrise, Sam Sianis, the famed tavern keeper, was often found alone, placing chairs upside down and sweeping floors in one of his six taverns. The Billy Goat Tavern, nestled on Hubbard Street, was the oldest of his establishments. Sianis, a Greek immigrant who became a beloved figure in Chicago’s sports and media worlds, passed away early Friday morning at Endeavor Swedish Hospital. Having recently undergone gall bladder surgery, he died of complications related to old age at the age of 91.

Sam Sianis was a source of inspiration for his family. “He was an inspiration and everything else to me and my siblings,” said William Sianis, his eldest son. A diligent worker, Sam often spoke reverently of his uncle and heritage. He loved Chicago deeply and became a significant part of the city. Despite not having formal education beyond one year of high school, Sam’s work ethic showed in his managerial philosophy: “To be a manager, you have to graduate from a big college. I didn’t. I graduated from mopping floors and all that. You see the work that needs to be done, you take care of that work.”

Samis was born in the Greek village of Palaiopyrgos on December 12, 1934, as Sotirios Athanasios Sianis. After losing his mother, Theofana, shortly after his birth, he was raised by his father, Anthanasios, and a large extended family. His education halted as he worked on the family farm, and at 19, Sam immigrated to America, arriving in New York on May 15, 1955. His journey took him to San Francisco, where he lived with two aunts and worked in their coffee shop before becoming an apprentice mechanic for the Southern Pacific Railroad.

In Chicago, Sam worked for his father’s brother, William Sianis, at the Billy Goat Inn across Madison Street from the former Chicago Stadium. This tavern was lively and popular with stars, athletes, and the media. The famous curse stemmed from when William Sianis and his pet goat were refused entry to Wrigley Field during the 1945 World Series. This event led to the enduring legend known as the Curse of the Billy Goat.

The Billy Goat Tavern thrived in its new location on Hubbard Street, attracting a steady stream of patrons from nearby newspapers. Sam built strong friendships, among them Bob Borgstrom, owner of Wendella Boats. Borgstrom shared, “Sam is like a brother to me.” Sam met and married Irene Dariotis during a trip to Greece in 1974. They settled in Park Ridge and had six children.

Famous patron photographs adorned the tavern walls, including those of politicians like George H.W. Bush, Barack Obama, and Hillary Clinton. After William’s death in 1970, Sam took over the tavern, keeping the Curse of the Billy Goat alive with antics involving goats during baseball seasons. “Sam was often the first real Chicagoan tourists met when they ambled cautiously down the stairs to his saloon,” said Tribune reporter Rick Pearson.

The Billy Goat Tavern inspired the iconic “Saturday Night Live” sketch, immortalizing its famous phrases like “No Coke — Pepsi!” and “Cheezborger, cheezborger, cheezborger.” Sam, hearing about this from customers, handled the fame gracefully. President George H.W. Bush visited in 1991, enjoying double cheezborgers while engaging with patrons.

Offers to franchise the tavern were declined by Sam, who prioritized family control. The tavern expanded to locations like Navy Pier and both airports, selling frozen burgers and beer locally. Employee Jeff Magill, who retired in 2016, emphasized that the tavern’s charm lay in its photographs and interactions with writers.

Mike Royko, a close friend of Sam, wrote of him as a man with strong work ethic and fairness. He commended Sam’s humor and astute business practices, stating, “Most important, though, Sam is an honorable man.”

Sianis’ passing marks the end of an era. He is survived by his wife, children, and grandchildren. Funeral services are scheduled for May 22, 2026, at St. Basil Greek Orthodox Church, with visitation on May 21 at Muzyka and Son Funeral Home.