December 20, 2025 – West Bend, Wi – The final orders are coming in at Omicron Family Restaurant in West Bend, Wi, and the team who served the community for over 33 years is reaching out to say ‘Thanks.’
Charlene Vacho has been working alongside owners Bill and John Tsiampas since 1999. “I’d just like to thank everyone for coming in for our food, our soup, and we’re really going to miss you and just want to thank you for our appreciation to us, we really enjoyed your company,” she said.
Charlie was part of the hum of the restaurant. Red lipstick, bright smile, smart-aleck remark when necessary. She’d get her 10,000 steps in most mornings before the average West Bender woke up.
“This place has been special to so many because it’s a family place,” she said. “People come and they know each other and that’s one of the big things I hear they’ll miss. And the bosses have been great; they’re good friends to people.”
That is except if the owner John started to get on Charlie’s nerves.
“Every time he aggravates me, I threaten to quit on him,” chided Charlie. That schtick went on for 26 years.
“We have two days left… I won’t be firing her today,” said John feeding into the good-natured ribbing.
Through it all the family at Omicron worked to keep its family of customers happy and well fed with bowls of their famous chicken dumpling soup, hot cups of coffee, BIG servings of whipped cream on top of strawberry waffles and plenty of fried potatoes.
Heather has been with Omicron the last five years. While some days have been hectic, she realized the Tsiampas brothers had built something special in West Bend.
“Thank you to the community,” said Heather. “It has always been all about family and it’s all in their heart to give back to the people. The customer service and doing little things like giving out fruit plates or desserts… it’s just a way to give back to the community.”
Brianna Schrank has worked in the kitchen and the front counter the past five years. “A very special thing about this place is Bill likes to open it to everybody and he likes to give away things,” she said.
While Schrank may not know her customers by name, she does know them by their order. “The crazy guys come in Sunday morning and they get a crazy omelette and one only gets egg whites and I know that whole order by heart,” she said.
“Bill knows a lot of people and he’s made this feel like home,” she said.
Billy Tsiampas, the owner’s grandson, got pulled into the family business nine years ago after football practice. “I had no idea what I was doing,” he said. “But it was a great experience. Everyone should work in a restaurant once.”
“What Bill has done to make this place what it is is he’s been nice to all the customers, getting to know them all, becoming friends and he’s given generous portions of food to everyone and it’s the family feeling.
“Thank you to everyone in the West Bend area and Washington County and for supporting our family for many years and making this place what it is,” said Billy.
Owner Bill, is closing up shop. He has many years of memories about making people happy. He did it through food – small dishes of fresh fruit to spoil a customer.
Sitting and chatting with people as they ate. Providing a welcome spot for customers who cared for their families and needed a little TLC themselves.
His key to success wasn’t a secret – people saw him do it on a daily basis, it’s just Bill followed through with kindness and a smile and a slice of angel cake… on the house.
Sunday, December 21, 2025, will be the last day for Omicron. It’s the end of an era for another hometown business as the restaurant is closing. The building and VisionWorks next door will be razed in January 2026 to make way for the franchise Culver’s.
Below is a story that ran in August 2025, announcing the closing of Omicron.
West Bend, Wi – Another local restaurant in West Bend, WI, has announced its closing. Over the past few months neighbors have witnessed Applebees closing, as well as Soup Corner, Riverside Brewery, and 1840 Brewery. Now comes word after 33 years in business Omicron Restaurant, 1505 S. Main St, West Bend, Wi is closing.
Owners Bill and John Tsiampas said it is time to retire.
It all started in 1992 when Bill and his brother John decided to take the leap and open their own restaurant. A nod to their Greek heritage and a deep-rooted work ethic would become the foundation of what Omicron is today.
The restaurant and Vision Works next door were included in the sale.
In 1992, Bill and John purchased the property for $200,000. The current assessed value is below.
The assessed value for Vision Works is below.
“This used to be Country Kitchen,” Bill said, casually sipping his coffee one morning at a booth along the south side of the restaurant. He pointed across the room toward the old entrance. “Back then, the entrance was over there, and next door was Payless Shoes. We remodeled and made the entrance off the parking lot.”
Bill, dressed in a comfortable grey sweater reminiscent of Mr. Rogers, has a calming, easy-going demeanor that puts everyone at ease. Whether he’s chatting with a customer or giving advice to his staff, he’s always keeping a watchful eye on the operation.
Bill’s story of working in the restaurant business dates back to when he was just 16 years old. Growing up in Milwaukee, he started his first job in a family restaurant on 60th and Fond du Lac.
“I was 16, working my tail off,” he said. “It was me and my brother George. We did everything, and we did it with pride.”
Fast forward to 1992, and Bill and John were ready to bring their experience to West Bend, a town they saw as ripe for growth. They took over a space on South Main Street, where Omicron would become a local landmark. Bill recalls the decision to move from Milwaukee: “We saw a future here. West Bend had a good vibe, and it wasn’t too far from the city.”
For the first few years, it was a small operation, with only a handful of employees. “At first, it was just me, John, and a couple of other folks,” Bill said. “But when we got busy, we needed more hands. At one point, we had up to 80 employees.”
Today, Omicron still prides itself on a family atmosphere, with Bill’s wife, children, and even grandchildren involved in the business. As the years have gone by, though, the restaurant has expanded, remodeled, and adapted to meet the needs of an ever-growing community. The space, which started with just a few tables and a modest kitchen, is now a bustling hub where families come to enjoy a meal, often running into neighbors they haven’t seen in a while.
But it’s not just the food that keeps people coming back—it’s the culture. Bill, now 72, believes in the importance of knowing his customers by name. “I greet everyone when they come in, and I make sure my staff does the same,” he said. “It’s about making people feel welcome. If you’re not friendly, what’s the point?”
Omicron has earned a reputation for its generous portions. In fact, one of the first things Bill learned in the restaurant business was the importance of filling up customers. “You don’t want to send anyone home hungry. That’s our job—make sure the food is fresh, the portions are big, and everyone leaves satisfied.”
Whether you’re ordering a classic breakfast, a hearty sandwich, or a Greek specialty like spanakopita, you’ll find yourself with a plate full of comfort.
Of course, running a restaurant for over three decades hasn’t been without its challenges. The rise of corporate chains, the advent of food delivery apps has tested the Tsiampas family’s resilience. But Bill’s philosophy has always been to stay focused on quality and service, no matter what.
Omicron’s loyal customer base has kept the kitchen busy. “Our customers support us, and we’re grateful for that.”
Even though Omicron has weathered its fair share of storms, Bill is optimistic about the future. He’s slowly cut back his hours, letting his team take the reins while he enjoys more time with family. But he’s still in the restaurant almost every day, checking in, offering advice, and making sure everything runs smoothly.
And what’s the secret behind the name Omicron? “It’s Greek,” Bill said. “It comes from the Greek alphabet, and we liked the sound of it. It means a small ‘o,’ a small circle, and that’s how we see ourselves—a small, welcoming place for everyone to gather.”
In a world where trends come and go, Omicron Restaurant remains a West Bend fixture because of the Tsiampas family’s dedication to quality, community, and, of course, good food. Whether you’re a regular or a first-time visitor, Bill and his team are always ready to make you feel like part of the family.
Early word is Culver’s is looking at opening a second store on S. Main Street. The location on W. Washington Street features a double drive thru.
More information will be posted when details are available.
