Our Story

Since 1918 it has been our privilege to serve the Tulsa community. As the Savoy culinary tradition has been passed through four generations of our family, so too have we opened our doors to each subsequent generation of loyal guests and their families. At Savoy, we strive to provide you with the best dining experience, but our heritage is about much more. Our story is unique, but it’s also a quintessential story of the American dream that has been lived out by countless Americans.

Nick Kelamis immigrated from Greece to America in 1910, entering through Ellis Island with thousands of other hopeful immigrants. Leaving behind a wife and young son, he came to America to build a better life for his family, with plans to send for them after getting established.

A black and white photo of a family posing for a picture

Working on the railroads brought Nick to Tulsa, where he would make his home. After working industriously and saving, in 1918, he opened the Kelamis Café at 16 S. Boston.

A black and white photo of people sitting at a counter in a restaurant.

Nick’s son Tommy remained in Greece. Upon completion of his mandatory military service in 1928, Nick returned to Greece and arranged for his son to join him in America. At the Kelamis Café, Nick employed Tommy washing dishes until he learned to speak English. Tommy was a quick student, and with the help of a customer tutoring him at night, he quickly worked his way off the sink.

A black and white photo of a group of people standing around a counter in a restaurant.

Tommy befriended a young waitress named Maxine Rawlings, and after a courtship, they were married in 1941. In the same year, Nick Kelamis passed away. After welcoming their first child, Tommy was drafted into the United States Army in 1944. He left for Abilene, Texas, and entered the Army as a cook. His commanding officer appreciated Tommy’s cooking to such an extent that he kept Tommy stationed at the base, rather than deploying him overseas.

A black and white photo of a man and woman in a kitchen

After his military service, the family returned to Tulsa where Tommy was a partner in the KC Pool Hall. It had always been said that Tommy wouldn’t allow his wife and children inside the pool hall, as he didn’t think it an appropriate place for women and children.

A black and white photo of a man and woman standing in front of a house.

When Tommy went to have a new “Kelamis Café” sign made, the shop owner offered him a good price for a “Savoy” sign that was never claimed by the customer who ordered it. Tommy purchased the sign, confident that customers would come for the food, not the name, and Savoy was born.

A black and white photo of the savoy restaurant.

Tommy and Maxine took great pride in serving the Tulsa community, and they continued to expand their family. In 1967, at the young age of 58, Tommy passed away. Maxine continued to operate Savoy until May of 1973, when urban renewal forced it to relocate.

A black and white photo of a woman in a diner

Savoy re-opened its doors in 1975 at the current location. Tommy and Maxine’s son, Bill Kelamis, operated the restaurant with Maxine, and continued to run the business after Maxine’s retirement.

A man wearing a chef 's hat is preparing food in a kitchen

Today Bill, his son, Evan, and their entire family welcome you into the Savoy tradition. We hope to serve you and your family for many generations to come!