In 1969, Antonios "Tony" Giagkou and Vicky Giagkou, immigrated from Greece to the United States. They landed in Chicago and immediately demonstrated the hard work and ingenuity this country was built on. Using his experience gained as an electrician and engineer in the Greek Navy, Tony obtained employment as a chief engineer at a local clothing company. During that time, Vicky and Tony would also purchase and renovate both a laundromat and dry cleaner and ultimately open Midwest Equipment, specializing in exhaust hoods, duct work, sheet metal and refrigeration repair.
After a decade in the US, they returned to Greece in 1978 with their three children where Tony opened Chicago Refrigeration Service in Athens, selling parts and servicing appliances around the ancient city.
In 1980 they would make their permanent treck back to Chicago and in 1983, with an American Express Card, purchased the building at 48th & Cicero and opened Tony's Refrigeration Company. Over the course of the next 40 Years Tony, Vicky, their son Nick and daughters Harriet & Helen would build the business into one of the top Kitchen Equipment and Design companies in the country.
An American Dream Story
