Founded in 1995, T.A.G. Restaurants currently owns and operates eight dining establishments in Chicago and surrounding suburbs, and expanded to Peoria, Ill., in October 2003.

Surrounded by food, the Alpogianis’ destiny to delve into the business of restaurants was inevitable. Both of George’s and Manolis’ grandfathers owned and operated restaurants in the Windy City. Gus’ father had a small diner in Wrigleyville. Subsequently, Gus’ father opened The Palace Grill with Gus and his brother Michael. Still in operation, The Palace Grill attracts an eclectic clientele -- from President George W. Bush and state senators to downtown businessmen and die-hard locals. In 1980, Gus sold the beloved diner (to a cousin, of course) when he purchased Kappy’s, a full-service restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner in Morton Grove since 1978.

Gus Alpogianis, president of T.A.G. Restaurants, brings more than 50 years of restaurant experience and a love of people and food to the T.A.G. table. George Alpogianis, executive chef for T.A.G., has had the privilege of working with great Chicago chefs, such as Chef Pierre Polin and Chef John Hogan, in addition to showcasing his skills at Lawery’s, Rosebud on Taylor Street and South Gate Cafe in Lake Forest. George’s culinary panache allows him to create delicious, well-rounded menus with a special touch for all T.A.G. restaurants as well as manage the cooks in the kitchens. From soda jerk and banquet boy to company trainer at Lettuce Entertain You and restaurateur, Manolis Alpogianis’ passion for people and stream-lined service rounds out the T.A.G. team. Manolis’ focuses on front-of-house staff, customer satisfaction, concept development, expansion, and other restaurant management duties, such as new menu consultation and pricing.

In 1995, T.A.G. launched Carnelli’s Deli at Navy Pier, an Italian-style deli offering a simple yet complete menu of hearty sandwiches built on homemade breads, innovative salads with seasonal surprises, and “to-die-for” sweet treats. The first quick-service food tenant to move into Chicago’s beloved tourist attraction Navy Pier, Carnelli’s Deli has prospered through the years with its busy lunch and dinner business as well as catering for special events and corporate meetings.

America’s Dog at Navy Pier was born in 1996, debuting with a menu of 12 different “city” dogs, including: Atlanta, Baltimore, Charleston, Chicago, Dallas, Kansas City, and more. Al fresco dining at its best, Buckingham Cafe & Grill, another dining concept developed by the T.A.G. team, opened amongst the Oaks of Grant Park at historic Buckingham Fountain in 1997. With a diverse menu of tempting salads and freshly made sandwiches with premium ingredients, Buckingham Cafe & Grill offers everything from cold cuts and fried catfish to grilled portabellas and paninis. Nino Panino’s Sandwich Shop at Union Station opened in 2000. In 2001, America’s Dog joined Buckingham Cafe & Grill along Chicago’s lakefront at Buckingham Fountain in Grant Park. Situated at the epicenter of Chicago’s Taste of Chicago, America’s Dog at Buckingham Fountain grills 100-percent beef, Vienna hot dogs, throughout the festival each year. In 2003, T.A.G. Restaurants opened its third America’s Dog location, this time in Peoria, Ill.