The history of Original Christo’s is a classic story of immigrant success. Part of the Lexington, NC, community for nearly 35 years, the restaurant is the go-to location for delicious hot wings, pizza, and Italian food in the area. But before it could reach the notoriety it has today, it was just a faint idea in one man’s mind.

Original Christo’s was founded in 1983 by Greek immigrant Christos Papaioannou. Papaioannou first came to the United States in the 1960s to study law. While living in Massachusetts, he opened his first two small restaurants to afford his college tuition. He later returned to Greece with his new wife Maria to finish his law degree.

Fortunately for those who love Original Christo’s cuisine, Papaioannou decided law wasn’t for him. He didn’t enjoy the office life and yearned to be back in the kitchen, so he and his family returned to America. While traveling across the country, Papaioannou came across a sign for Lexington, North Carolina, which reminded him of his time in Lexington, Massachusetts. Drawn by the name, he decided to pull into the town. Once there, he fell in love with it and decided to settle there. Because there were so few Italian restaurants in the area, he also knew there would be a market for his cuisine.

In 1983, Original Christo’s was opened and immediately became a town favorite. People went to the family restaurant for the signature zesty hot wings and delicious pizzas, subs, and pasta. When the restaurant expanded in 2002, they purchased an unused plant that used to be a Coca-Cola® bottling facility from the 1940s to the 1970s, adding further prestige to the Original Christo’s name.

To experience the history of Original Christo’s for yourself, stop by the restaurant today! If you would like to order takeout, call (336) 243-­2532. To view their full menu of delicious Italian cuisine, visit them online.