Sam Sianis, Owner of Iconic Billy Goat Tavern, Passes Away at 91
Sam Sianis, the longtime owner of the iconic Billy Goat Tavern in Chicago, has passed away at the age of 91. Sianis died peacefully in his sleep, surrounded by family. Known for his tireless work ethic and deep love for the city, Sianis was a cultural icon in Chicago. The Billy Goat Tavern, which opened its original location in 1934, became a downtown fixture and a popular hangout for journalists. Sianis was famous for reciting the menu behind the grill, a routine that was immortalized by John Belushi's impersonation on 'Saturday Night Live.' The tavern also gained notoriety for the 'billygoat curse' on the Chicago Cubs, stemming from an incident in 1945 when Sianis' uncle was refused entry with a goat at Wrigley Field during the World Series.