Anastasia Nicole Flevaris: Kenzie Chophouse

With combined strengths and expertise in finance and restaurant operations, Nicole Flevaris and Andreas Tsakonas were meant to bring their dynamic and powerful partnership to the Chicago restaurant scene. 

In July of 2019 they purchased of Chicago’s iconic Kinzie Chophouse, the husband/wife duo will continue to celebrate its signature neighborhood steakhouse experience that devoted diners have been enjoying for nearly 34 years, while introducing a refined nod to Mediterranean gastronomy and hospitality to the experience.

Born in Nafplio, Greece, Andreas Tsakonas has been prosperous in the restaurant industry for over 25 years. 

He began his career in Nafplio, where he owned and operated three successful restaurants and two night clubs the 2 most famous being Agnanti at the end of the waterfront promenade and next to it Omilos, at the Naftiko Omilo. 

Three years ago, Andreas moved to the United States to explore the industry outside of Greek’s struggling economic landscape and was inspired by Chicago’s world-class dining scene. 

Now at the helm of operations at Kinzie Chophouse, Andreas combines his decades of experience in contemporary dining with his respect for the restaurant’s deep-rooted traditions and beloved qualities. 

From enhancing Kinzie’s already stellar cocktail program and adding subtle Mediterranean twists to the menu, to upholding the unmatched quality and dining culture that Kinzie is known for, Andreas pursues his role with what the Greeks call “Meraki” – A cultural term that embodies the essence of doing something with soul, passion, and love.

Nicole Flevaris, a Chicago city girl through and through has her roots in Achladokampos, Arogolida Greece. 

Proud of her roots, Kinzie Chophouse uses extra virgin olive oil from the village that has recently become a co-op.

Nicole graduated from the University of Illinois with a Bachelor’s in Marketing & International Business before achieving her Master’s in Business Administration at the young age of 23. 

She then led efforts to develop a high-quality cosmetics product line for The Lashe, Inc. and continues to oversee the successful business and salon in Chicago’s Gold Coast. When the opportunity arose for Andreas and Nicole to acquire Kinzie Chophouse, she felt like it was meant to be. 

Married to Andreas since 2016, Nicole had long wanted to venture into hospitality with him, and they both were long-time fans of the restaurant. 

Nicole was confident that she could lend her expertise and guidance as a change in ownership took place and help Kinzie continue to thrive under her financial leadership as the legendary steakhouse approached it’s 30th anniversary. 

Now, Kinzie succeeds as one of Chicago’s only woman-owned steakhouses under Nicole’s leadership in partnership with Andreas. 

As a private, family-owned business, Nicole is also committed to staying true to Kinzie’s core values and traditions as she and Andreas grow the business and brand with the artful addition of their welcoming Mediterranean flair.

As Nicole leads Kinzie Chophouse from a business and finance perspective while Andreas commands the helm on the operations side, the duo finds that their restaurant partnership is equally as rewarding as their partnership in life. 

They look forward to the years ahead, and to serving the diners in Chicago and beyond with a culinary experience that is cultivated with commitment to tradition, creative thinking, superb food and drink, and above all, Meraki. Thank you Chicago Greeks!