News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Nick’s Restaurant and Banquet Facilities celebrates 50 years of business in Cookeville Thursday.
Nick Philson opened the restaurant in 1971 and let his children carry on the family tradition. Co-Owner Nicole Wilson said her brother and business partner, Nick Philson Jr., operate the Jefferson Avenue location today.
“We say a big thank you and especially after COVID,” Wilson said. “We had to shut down for seven weeks during COVID, and when we reopened, I feel like our community made a point to support us.”
Wilson said Putnam County Mayor Randy Porter and Cookeville Mayor Ricky Shelton celebrated with the family. Wilson said her family was presented with an original picture of the restaurant.
“It’s amazing,” Wilson said. “They’re awesome people. We’re just so thankful, and this area has just been so good for us.”
Wilson said Nick’s Restaurant was originally named El-Toro before a name change in the 1990’s. Wilson said her father moved to America from Greece at a young age and learned about the restaurant business working with his uncle.
“He had actually opened up two locations,” Wilson said. “Nick Philson’s Steakhouse in North Carolina and then, he came to Cookeville to join Harry, who original started in 1971 and entered a partnership with him.”
