West Bend, Wi – The closing price has been disclosed for properties on S. Main Street in the City of West Bend, Wi, currently home to the shuttered Omicron Family Restaurant and soon-to-relocate VisionWorks.
Bill (Vasilios) Tsiampas and his brother John owned the two parcels.
Records show, in July 1992 the pair purchased the location for $200,000.
According to records in the Washington County land records, the two lots sold January 5, 2026 for $2 million.
On a history note:
These are images of the house that sat on the Omicron property 50 years ago. The photo is from the March 1 and 2, 1976 and the ice storm that swept across Wisconsin bringing daily life to a fridgid halt.
Click HERE for more photos and a compilation of extensive stories from weather.gov regarding the 1976 ice storm.
April 10, 2025- 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. 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 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.
UPDATE – Culver’s is opening a second store on S. Main Street.
The restaurant’s location on W. Washington Street features a double drive thru.
A traffic study was requested in late 2025 by the plan commission for the segment of S. Main Street from the intersection of Butternut Street through to 1437 S. Main Street. Requests have been made to the engineering department at City Hall for copies of the study, but no information has been received.
As of Thursday, January 15, 2026, District 1 alderman John Butschlick said he had not see the results of the traffic study.
More information will be posted when details are available.
UPDATE: A staffer confirmed VisionWorks is moving across the street to the former Panera location, 1608 S. Main Street, West Bend, WI. Calls have been placed regarding a building permit. As of January 18, 2026, it does not appear any buildout has begun.
Early indications are the former Omicron building will be razed in early 2026. More information will be posted when details are available.
