Junior's Grill facts for kids
Junior's Grill was a well-known restaurant in Atlanta, Georgia, United States. It was located right on the Georgia Tech campus. The restaurant was a family business run by Tommy Klemis.
Junior's Grill served breakfast, lunch, and dinner for many years. It was very popular with students for its tasty French toast and crispy chicken fingers. The restaurant closed its doors on April 21, 2011. This happened because fewer people were coming to eat there.
History of Junior's Grill
Junior's Grill first opened in 1948. It was started by Wilbur Gold, Jr., and was called Pilgrim's back then. The first location was on North Avenue, close to the Georgia Tech campus.
In 1958, the Georgia Board of Regents planned to build new things where Pilgrim's was. So, Wilbur Gold sold the restaurant to James Klemis and John Chaknis. They changed the name to Junior's Grill.
Junior's stayed in its first spot until 1967. Then, it had to move to a smaller place nearby. In 1987, Junior's got bigger by taking over the old Engineer's Bookstore next door.
Later, the Georgia Tech Foundation bought the property. This was in case Atlanta became a host city for the Olympic Games. Junior's was given a five-year lease.
The restaurant had to close in October 1993 because of building work for the 1996 Summer Olympics. Many students and staff wanted to save Junior's. They asked the school to find a new home for it.
Renovations on the Bradley Building began in November 1993. Junior's Grill happily reopened in its new spot in February 1994. It served customers there until it closed for good on April 21, 2011.
What Made Junior's Special
Junior's Grill was a big part of student life at Georgia Tech. The student newspaper, The Technique, even said that eating at Junior's was a must-do for students.
"Tommy" in that quote refers to Tommy Klemis, James Klemis' son. Tommy took over running the restaurant from his father.
Some of the most loved items were the chicken fingers and burgers. These often came in "baskets" with a side like French fries and a drink. Junior's also had a hot food line for breakfast and lunch. You could also order other grill items separately.
The restaurant was like a small museum for Georgia Tech. It had old photos of the campus and pictures of famous people who visited. There was even a piece of the goalpost from the school's 1990 National Championship win!
Junior's Grill's Legacy
Even after Junior's Grill closed, its spirit lives on through Klemis Kitchen. Klemis Kitchen is a food pantry for students at Georgia Tech. It helps students who might not have enough food or have special dietary needs.
Students started the Klemis Kitchen Initiative. They saw that some of their classmates needed help getting proper meals. Tommy Klemis, the former owner of Junior's, often helped students when his restaurant was open.
The Klemis Kitchen Initiative was created to continue helping students after Junior's Grill closed. Naming it after Klemis honors the history and kindness of Junior's Grill. Tommy Klemis said it was a great way to help future students. He felt it honored all the people who worked at Junior's, especially the students.
