A Greek immigrant who grew his popular Grand Rapids burger joint into a beloved local chain over nearly six decades has died.

Peter Demetrios Christopoulos, owner of eight Mr. Burger restaurants, known for their no-frills, classic American breakfast, lunch and dinner menus and friendly service, died Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025, according to an obituary posted by Arsulowicz Brothers Mortuaries. He was 90.

Mr. Christopoulos was born Jan. 25, 1935, in Dikastro, a small village in central Greece. According to his obit, he came to the U.S. in 1955 "with less than nothing" and took a job washing dishes at his uncle's Red Lion restaurant in Grand Rapids.

In 1967, alongside his wife, Maria, Mr. Christopoulos opened the first Mr. Burger restaurant, on Lake Michigan Drive. Initially a popular hango

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