Does MPHS have photographs: Yes
Address: 15 W. Prospect Avenue
Is building standing: No
What is at site: 1 West Prospect apartment complex with first-floor retail space
When was business founded: around 1980
Is business still operating: No
If no, when did it close: July 2021
Who owned business: Sam Trakas, Angelo Theotokatos, Albert Marinakos, Jimmy Pantelis, Tony Marinakos
Sam Trakas and Angelo Theotokatos founded Sam’s Place, a restaurant and bar, at 15 W. Prospect Avenue around 1980. This space was in the Prospect Place Shopping Center, the first storefront to the right of the arch and clock. In 1994 cousins Albert Marinakos and Jimmy Pantelis took over management of this restaurant. Tony, Albert’s son, began working at Sam’s Place in 1998, and he ran the establishment for around six to seven years before it closed in July 2021, due to the upcoming redevelopment of Prospect Place.
Sam’s Place made an undeniable impact on the Mount Prospect community throughout their almost forty years in operation. They regularly contributed to local charities and events, including the Mount Prospect and Des Plaines food pantries. However, Sam’s Place was probably best known for being the “Cheers” of Mount Prospect. About 80% of their customers were regulars and, just like the television show, it was a place “where everybody knows your name.” As testament to this sense of community, large crowds gathered during their closing weekend for one last drink.
