Menu from the Randolph Market Cafe. The cover has an image of a market with horse-drawn carts on a cobblestone street. The cart in the foreground has a sign on it that reads: AJ Panagakos Co. Wholesalers Idaho Potatoes Fresh Produce Est 1912.

In 1912, Demetrios Panagakos immigrated to the United States from Greece, and with his brother Apostolous founded A.J. Panagakos Co. in the Randolph Street Market. They quickly became one of the leading wholesalers of Idaho potatoes in the state of Illinois. Chicago's fine restaurants and independent grocers came to A.J. for quality and service.

In 1945 Demetrios sold a stable he owned on May Street (near Grand Ave.) to open a restaurant that was then known as the Golden Gate.

1952 saw his wife Potoula, fondly called Mama by patrons, get into the act. She was the "boss" until Demetrios finished his day at A.J. Panagakos Co. With fresh produce, select meats and a lot of hard work, they developed a restaurant devoted to quality food.

In the 60's Demetrios gradually gave control of his produce and restaurant business to his sons, John, Strati and Paul. They continued the tradition of quality foods at reasonable prices.

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