West Bend, Wi – Omicron Restaurant on south Main Street in West Bend, Wi has been a fixture in the community for 32 years and its owners Bill and John Tsiampas are the men who oversee the magic.
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.
“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.
“The future’s bright,” Bill said. “As long as we keep doing what we’ve always done—serve great food and treat people right—we’ll be here for another 32 years. Maybe more.”
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.
Here’s to another 32 years of good food, great company, and plenty of laughs at Omicron.
