Family History

family history

For more than 100 years, baking has been at the heart of our family. Across generations, we have lovingly preserved time-honored recipes, techniques, and traditions, sharing the joy of freshly baked goods with our community and continuing a legacy that spans over a century.

1924

Ancestors open and operate Constantinoupolis bakery

The Kontos family story began generations ago, when our ancestors immigrated from Turkey to the United States in pursuit of opportunity, carrying with them family recipes, baking traditions, and a dream of building a future through food. Settling in the Chelsea neighborhood of New York City, they worked tirelessly to establish a small fillo pastry bakery rooted in craftsmanship, authenticity, and the flavors of their heritage.

1949

Ellis Island to the Fillo Bakery

In hopes of achieving a better life and pursuing the American Dream, Evripides immigrated through Ellis Island to the United States to join the family bakery. At 19 years old, arriving with little money, limited resources, and uncertainty about what the future would hold, he carried with him a passion for the craft of fillo baking and a determination to succeed.

1959

Evripides first son, Steve Kontos, is born

The first born child of Evripides and Eva was Stavros (Steven) who arrived September 11th 1958. For Steven's baptism, he brings his mother, Katrina Kantominiotes to the United States to reside with he and his brother Christos.

1968

Evripides opens Apollo Fillo Bakery

In 1968, Evripides took a leap of faith and opened his first fillo bakery, Apollo, in Dumont, New Jersey, where he handcrafted fillo dough and traditional baklava.

1983

Apollo becomes a national success

Apollo Bakery becomes a national success, with distribution across the country. With all this success, Evripides creates his own TV show to promote his pastry products.

1983

Evripides sells Apollo to Pillsbury

With five fillo-making machines operating full time at a single facility, Apollo had grown into a major success. Recognizing the company’s momentum, Pillsbury approached Evripides with an offer to purchase Apollo, which he ultimately accepted.

1987

Steve Kontos opens Kontos Foods with his father, Evripides

As part of the sale of Apollo, Steve Kontos, Evripides’ son, remained with Pillsbury for a contracted period of time to help transition the business alongside the Pillsbury management team. Once his commitment was fulfilled, Steve decided to pursue a new opportunity in the flatbread business after receiving a request from a customer in the Pacific Northwest for 200 cases of Greek pita bread.

1990

Steve Kontos gets married to Athanasia Patsalos

Steve Kontos met the love of his life, Athanasia “Nancy” Kontos, through his brother-in-law’s accounting practice, where she worked as an accountant.

1996

Steve & Nancy welcome twin girls, Erica & Demi

On May 17, 1996, Steve and Nancy welcomed twin girls into the world, marking one of the happiest and most memorable days of their lives.

1997

Kontos Foods sees great success

As Steve’s family grew, so did the business. After a decade of hard work, sacrifice, and dedication, Steve and his father, Evripides, finally began to see their efforts turn into success. Their long hours and commitment to quality had paid off, laying the foundation for what would eventually become Kontos Foods.

1998

Evripides Junior is born

Evripides Jr. (Evan) was born on April 20, 1998. After a family of seven grandchildren, Evripides Sr. was overjoyed to finally have his namesake arrive.

2003

Leading the next generation

As Kontos Foods continued to grow into a recognized U.S. manufacturer, the company became an example of local business success and American manufacturing. In 2003, the local school district organized field trips to tour the facility, giving students a firsthand look at how products were made and how a family-owned manufacturing business operated.

2023

Evripides Jr. and Demi join Kontos Foods

After gaining experience in the corporate world, Evripides Jr. (Evan) left his accounting role at CohnReznick in 2023 to join the family business, where he now oversees finance, accounting, and maintenance and equipment operations.

In 2024, Demi stepped away from a strategy position at US Foods to focus on sales, marketing, and front-office operations at the company. Together, Evan and Demi are committed to carrying forward the family legacy as the third generation in the business.