Sam Sianis, longtime owner of iconic Billy Goat Tavern, dies, restaurant says

CHICAGO (WLS) -- The longtime owner of the iconic Billy Goat Tavern has died, the restaurant said on social media Friday afternoon.

Sam Sianis, 91, died peacefully Friday morning in his sleep, surrounded by family.

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"Sam was more than a restaurateur; he was a Chicago legend. His tireless work ethic, devotion to his beloved Tavern, and deep love for this city made him a cultural icon and an inspiration to all who knew him. Above all, he was a devoted family man and a cherished friend to countless people whose lives he touched," the restaurant said. 'Loved by many, he will be deeply missed. May his memory be eternal."

The original Billy Goat Tavern opened in 1934.

The one on lower Michigan Avenue has been around since 1964.

Until recently, many would see Sianis behind the grill or the bar nearly all the time.

Sianis became famous for reciting the menu behind the grill at the Billy Goat Tavern.

And John Belushi's impersonation on "Saturday Night Live" has become iconic.

The Billy Goat tavern is a fixture in downtown Chicago, and Sianis was a legend.

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Bartender Brisa Lopez is a longtime employee at the Billy Goat and is among those deeply saddened by his death.

"Everybody loved him. He was humble. He helped so many people. Everybody who works here, all the homeless people, he used to feed them," Lopez said.

Long before the Billy Goat became popular for "Saturday Night Live" appearances, it was known as the source behind the billygoat curse on the Cubs.

That happened in 1945, after Sianis' uncle, William, was refused entry with the goat at Wrigley Field during the World Series.

The Cubs would even invite the goat into the park in later years. But it still took them 71 years to win a World Series after that.

There was a busy lunch crowd at the Billy Goat Friday.

Many customers were unaware that the longtime owner had died, but everyone who met Sianis has vivid memories.

"I can remember him back there early on, behind the grill, behind the bar. He was a gracious host , a happy guy," Mark Dilly said.

Because of its location in the downtown area near media institutions, it became a hangout for journalists, including possibly the best known Chicago Tribune columnist, Mike Royko.

But regular customers said that Sianis was always very friendly with everyone who came in the door.

"Great guy, energetic, happy guy," Dominick Hall said.

Sianis was not only one of the best-known barkeeps in Chicago but also one of the most successful. There are seven Billy Goat Tavern locations in the Chicago area.