Our Story
From a single Southfield diner to a Michigan institution, and now in Fort Gratiot.
Welcome to Leo's.
Leo's Coney Island is a Detroit-Greek-American diner chain that has served Michigan since 1972. Across 40+ locations, including our newest Fort Gratiot Express, we've poured our family's heart into every plate: homemade quality, cheerful staff, and the kind of warm dining room where laughter, good food, and memories happen all at once.
How we got here
An immigrant's start
Peter Stassinopoulos immigrates to Detroit, works at Chrysler, and learns the restaurant trade after hours. He becomes determined to bring authentic Greek and American diner food to Michigan.
Leo arrives
Leo Stassinopoulos immigrates from Greece at 17 to join his brother Peter. Together they plan something bigger than a single diner.
Southfield Souvlaki opens
The brothers open their first restaurant, Southfield Souvlaki Coney Island, pouring everything they have into quality ingredients and family-friendly service.
Second location
A second restaurant opens. The recipes are refined, the regulars are loyal, and the Stassinopoulos family's reputation grows across Metro Detroit.
Leo's Coney Island is born
A Farmington location is established under the new brand: Leo's Coney Island. The name sticks, and the brand becomes synonymous with comfort food across Michigan.
Greek dressing goes retail
Leo's famous Greek dressing is bottled and sold in retail stores, letting customers bring a taste of Leo's home.
Online ordering launches
Leo's embraces digital ordering, making pickup and delivery a tap away for the next generation of regulars.
Fort Gratiot opens
Leo's comes to Fort Gratiot at 4281 24th Ave, bringing dine-in, drive-thru, and pickup to a brand-new community.
In their own words.
A heritage poster Leo’s shares with its franchises — the founders Leo & Peter, the 1972 origin story, and the values that built every location since.
Come see us in Fort Gratiot.
4281 24th Ave · Open 7 AM daily · Drive-thru, dine-in, and pickup.