Old 41 Brings Classic American Cuisine to Southwest Florida
Sep 28, 2022 02:52PM ● By Francesca Block
Photo courtesy of the Old 41 Facebook page.
For Anthony "Tony" Backos, hospitality is in his blood.
"Greeks are always good at putting together a table and coming and gathering around food," he said. "That's kind of my philosophy around life."
Backos is the owner of Old 41 Restaurant, located at 25091 Bernwood Drive in Bonita Springs. He is a third generation restaurant owner who learned his philosophy for life and community from his grandparents and great-grandparents, he said. He took over Old 41 nearly 15 years ago from his aunt and uncle, determined to continue on the family tradition of bringing delicious and home-cooked food to a wide range of customers.
At Old 41, customers can enjoy Philadelphia classics like Philly cheesesteaks and homemade creamed chip beef and diner favorites like corned beef hash and omelets all day long. Backos said Old 41 prides itself in its "truly home cooked food," which relies on locally sourced ingredients and storied homemade recipes.
Beyond continuing family tradition, Backos said his favorite part about running the restaurant is building a sense of community among his customers. The restaurant has regulars who come in every day, sometimes for multiple meals, Backos said. When one of the regulars skips a day, he said the entire team will reach out to him to make sure he is OK.
"They become family," he said.
Old 41 has become a staple in Southwest Florida. The restaurant has been voted the winner of Bonita Springs' Best of the Best Awards for 15 years in a row. Fueled by family and his love for what he does, Backos is determined to try to keep that streak alive.
"Greeks are always good at putting together a table and coming and gathering around food," he said. "That's kind of my philosophy around life."
Backos is the owner of Old 41 Restaurant, located at 25091 Bernwood Drive in Bonita Springs. He is a third generation restaurant owner who learned his philosophy for life and community from his grandparents and great-grandparents, he said. He took over Old 41 nearly 15 years ago from his aunt and uncle, determined to continue on the family tradition of bringing delicious and home-cooked food to a wide range of customers.
At Old 41, customers can enjoy Philadelphia classics like Philly cheesesteaks and homemade creamed chip beef and diner favorites like corned beef hash and omelets all day long. Backos said Old 41 prides itself in its "truly home cooked food," which relies on locally sourced ingredients and storied homemade recipes.
Beyond continuing family tradition, Backos said his favorite part about running the restaurant is building a sense of community among his customers. The restaurant has regulars who come in every day, sometimes for multiple meals, Backos said. When one of the regulars skips a day, he said the entire team will reach out to him to make sure he is OK.
"They become family," he said.
Old 41 has become a staple in Southwest Florida. The restaurant has been voted the winner of Bonita Springs' Best of the Best Awards for 15 years in a row. Fueled by family and his love for what he does, Backos is determined to try to keep that streak alive.
