CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) – More than 150 people move to the Charlotte region every day, and new restaurants seem to be popping up on every corner.
But to truly understand the rich history of Charlotte’s food scene, you need to step back in time — by stepping inside a restaurant that opened its doors on the west side of the city more than seven decades ago.
Open Kitchen made a name for itself by serving the first pizza in the Queen City in 1952.
“Italian was a big thing after World War II, making the Italian food, pizza, spaghetti sauces,” said Christina Skiouris, owner of Open Kitchen. “People loved it, people lined up. They would drive here from Lancaster, from Shelby, and this is, you know, pre-interstates, and line up outside to come try the pizza pie.”
Skiouris grew up in Charlotte.
“When we were young, we learned how to roll silverware and fold pizza boxes,” she said.
Skiouris’ father Steve and her uncle Speros Kokenes were the original owners of Open Kitchen.
They were Greek brothers who opened an Italian restaurant.
“And the people here thought that was exotic, so imagine what they would have thought of Greek food,” Skiouris said.
It’s the fresh recipes and eclectic, yet homey, ambience that makes Open Kitchen what it is today, the owner said.
“It’s people actually working for the customer and not looking to shareholders,” Skiouris said. “Local businesses, I mean that’s the heart of the community.”
They serve with heart and dedication, even after tragedy.
In 1967, her uncle Speros Kokenes lost his life outside of the restaurant in a robbery attempt.
“It was something that was one of the unsolved crimes in Charlotte,” Skiouris said.
Her uncle’s legacy lives on through the food they serve at Open Kitchen.
“They came up with the recipes, and we still have the handwritten ones,” Skiouris said.
Looking outside the window, the view has certainly changed. Luxury apartments have replaced what was a gas station and warehouses nearby.
“When they built the stadium, they brought life back to the west side,” Skiouris said.
The privilege of existing as a lasting part of Charlotte history is not lost on her.
“It feels great,” Skiouris said. “People come in here and they get teary-eyed because they remember their parents that were here. They remember all their first dates here.”
As new generations discover Open Kitchen, Skiouris said the restaurant will always remain in the family. Her son Stephanos will take it over one day.
As many other old restaurants close, Skiouris said Open Kitchen will remain open.
“Everything’s become very cookie cutter and we need some variety,” she said. “We will try to be here as long as we can.”
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Dining and Cooking