My spouse and I ate lunch at the French Quarter in late December 2003. Both Panos and Toula Photopoulos shared the same dream of moving to the United States. At a young age, both moved from different parts of Greece, with nothing more than some pocket change, and disembarked to what was known as the land of the free, filled with endless opportunities. Their paths crossed in Chicago Illinois, where they married, and subsequently Panos obtained a great deal of his restaurant experience. Panos began by washing dishes during the day and attending English classes during the evenings. Within a couple of years he progressed from a dishwasher, to a server assistant, to a server, to a bartender, and to a Maitre d. Years later, Panos and Toula had their three boys, George, Greg, and Frank, and after living in Chicago for 20 years, the Photopoulos'moved to Charlotte, NC to be near family. In 1986, Panos opened his first restaurant, The French Quarter, one of the area's oldest establishments, located in the Charlotte Uptown area. From their famous Lunch Specials to their unforgettable chicken wings and drink specials, French Quarter provides comfort food with a touch of Cajun. Enjoy a glass of wine or a crafted beer on their outdoor patio facing the Romare Bearden Park. Conveniently located a few blocks from the Carolina Panthers Stadium and two blocks from the new Charlotte Knights Stadium.
