• J K ' s O R I G I N AL •

OUR HISTORY
JK's was founded in 1924 by George and Peter Koukos.

One hundred years ago, in 1924, the brothers George and Peter Koukos opened a restaurant on White Street in Danbury, Connecticut. They called it Original Texas Hot Weiners, and for 25 cents you could get two original dogs and a cup of coffee. George and Peter put their restaurant on a firm footing during the Roaring Twenties. Enter Tooltip Text Here
Tragedy struck the family in 1938 when Peter Koukos drowned in Candlewood Lake just north of Danbury. George and his 14-year-old son John witnessed the drowning from a nearby boat. Their efforts to save him were unavailing. In the aftermath, John began working in the restaurant after school, filling the void left by the death of his uncle Peter, who was also his godfather. When World War II broke out, John joined the U.S. Army like the American patriot he was. John Enter Tooltip Text Here served five and a half years, fighting in North Africa and Europe.

He returned home to help his parents, George and Aphrodite, and to grow the business in the post-war years. In 1951, the family business moved to a new location on West Street. This was a fortunate decision, because in the summer of 1955 a catastrophic flood swamped downtown Danbury, the area where the business started. In 1974, the restaurant was moved to South Steet, its current location, and given a new name: JK’s Restaurant.

The history of the restaurant has been tied to the history of the Koukos family for a century, extending to the fourth generation. John Koukos had a saying: “A small business is like a baby. You must always nurture the baby. Don’t expect the baby to take care of you.”

John and his wife, Mary – Enter Tooltip Text Here he referred to her as “the wind beneath his wings” – had two sons, George and Peter. When the boys were 10 and 11, they were put to work Saturdays helping their father by busing tables and washing dishes. They had to stand on milk crates to reach the sink. As the years went by, they learned the ins and outs of running a restaurant and got a taste of the dedication and discipline necessary for success. There were many twelve-hour days. They remember their father, John, as the best teacher they could have had, even though he could be a taskmaster. He used to say that twelve hours was only half a day. But make no mistake: JK’s was always closed on Sundays and most holidays because for John Koukos, his family always came first.

The surviving founder of the business, George, died in 1970, followed in 1981 by his beloved wife, Aphrodite. John and Mary’s sons, George and Peter, attended college and thought about pursuing their own careers, but in the end their choice was obvious. Enter Tooltip Text Here In 1982, George married Judy. She blended right in to become a true asset in daily operations, always with a warm smile to customers. No history of JK’s would be complete without mentioning the role of Evelyn, Mary’s sister. For well over forty years, Aunt Evelyn was the front person, handing out candy bars and lollipops and beaming at the customers. They loved her. The fourth generation of the family is represented by Johnny, George and Judy’s son. His special physical and technological talents brought JK’s to a new level. Enter Tooltip Text Here Covid significantly impacted JK’s operations, but the restaurant remained open and adapted by finding innovative ways to serve its many loyal customers. In August 2022, after decades of dedicated service and countless Texas Hot Weiners, George and Peter decided it was time to retire and enjoy a well-deserved break.

As JK’s Original Texas Hot Weiners approaches its 100th anniversary, we are optimistic that our tradition of excellence will continue to thrive in Danbury. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our wonderful customers and devoted employees for their unwavering support over the years. It has been a blessing and a true pleasure to run this cherished family restaurant.