Blue Dolphin History
The Blue Dolphin restaurant in Kalamazoo, Michigan, traces its roots back to the Rex Cafe, opened by Gus Stamos in the 1940s. In 1991, Steve Stamos, Gus's great nephew, reopened the business as the Blue Dolphin at a new location, one block south of the original Rex Cafe. The Blue Dolphin has been serving Greek-American cuisine and maintaining a tradition of offering a free Christmas dinner to the community ever since.
Here's a more detailed look at the history:
Rex Cafe (1940s-1990): Gus Stamos opened the Rex Cafe, which became a well-known establishment in Kalamazoo. His nephew, Pete Stamos, later took over the business.
Blue Dolphin (1991-Present): Steve Stamos purchased the Rex Cafe in 1990, moving it to a new location at 502 S. Burdick Street and renaming it the Blue Dolphin. The Blue Dolphin has continued to serve as a popular destination for Greek-American cuisine.
Located in the vibrant college town of Kalamazoo, Michigan, the Blue Dolphin restaurant has been serving Greek cuisine since 1991. More than just a dining experience, the restaurant offers a glimpse into the lives of its owners, the Stamos family, through a collection of photos displayed on the walls. Among these images are snapshots of other restaurants the family has operated, alongside a map of Greece—a tribute to their heritage. The family's journey began with Pete Stamos, who, at just 14 years old, traveled alone by boat to the United States. His uncle Gus, living in Kalamazoo, took him in. Pete cherished his Greek roots but also embraced America wholeheartedly. “He loved America. Loved the aspect of working hard, couldn’t speak the language at first,” recalled his son Steve, adding that Pete eventually married a waitress. Pete climbed the ranks in the restaurant industry and eventually opened his own establishment. His son Steve followed in his footsteps, saying, “I never wanted to do anything else.” Now, in 2025, the legacy continues as Steve’s son prepares to take over. “It’ll be his vision,” Steve says.
Christmas Giving
Steve Peter Stamos, owner of the Blue Dolphin, has been helping organize the restaurant’s annual Christmas meal since the 1970s—a tradition started by his late father, Peter. Before opening the Blue Dolphin with Steve in 1991, Peter ran the Rex Cafe in downtown Kalamazoo, where he first welcomed those in need for a holiday meal.
Stamos recalls being just 17 when his family began inviting people to their home for Christmas dinner. By 1979, as the number of guests grew, they moved the event to the restaurant to accommodate more people.
“The meal serves two purposes,” Stamos explains. “Some people come because they’re hungry. Others are far from family and friends during the holidays and just want to be around people.”
He notes that Christmas is unique among holidays—few restaurants remain open, leaving many without a place to gather. He vividly remembers an encounter years ago that reinforced the importance of the event.
“A little old lady stopped me one year—probably 15 years ago—on her way out. I said, ‘Merry Christmas, ma’am,’ and she hugged me with a tear in her eye and said, ‘If you hadn’t opened today, nobody would have said Merry Christmas to me.’”
The woman, who had lost her husband and had no children, found solace in the warmth of the Blue Dolphin. “It touches you, you know?” Stamos reflects.
Each year, more than 100 volunteers help make the event possible, including Stamos' sisters, their families, and his own children. “This is what they know, and they love to do it,” he says.
