serves as CEO of the group and manages day-to-day operations. “Both Mike (Nix) and Justin (Spillman) initiated our reimagination of the club by improving the conditions and identifying infrastructure needs. Even as that work is on-going, we have big plans to ex- pand our offerings.” Coming to the property
For nearly half a century, Hickory Hills Coun- try Club has been shaped by three genera- tions of Gianakas women: matriarch Matina Gianakas, whose vision and work ethic built the foundation of the club; her daughter Antonia, who grew up in the business and now guides its daily operations with the
same grace, instinct, and hospitality her mother instilled in her, and her granddaughter Matina Halikias— who represents the future of the family legacy. Together, the three women embody the heart of Hickory Hills—where hospitality is not just a service, but a tra- dition passed from mother to daughter to granddaughter. Beginning in the late 1960s, the
in 2026 will be a four-season simulator facility on the northeast corner of the property. Antonia’s daughter and Senior Project Man- ager Matina (named after her grandmother) is overseeing that launch. “We think an indoor facility fits a need in the community, especially in the winter months when golfers are itching to keep their swings in shape,” she said. “Like everything else we do, we want the center to be spectacular.” One day in early 2012, family patriarch Steven came home with exciting family news: he had purchased another three golf courses and a golf dome 30 minutes away in Frank- fort. “We all looked at each other in a state of shock!” said Matina, Sr. with a laugh. “Steven was friends with the original owner of Green Garden Country Club and saw a lot of poten- tial in the property which had some financial issues. So he bought it. All 415 acres of it!” The drive heading into the course parking lot only gives one a glimpse of the massive size of the property that is home to two 18-hole championship courses, a 9- hole course, a large club- house and dining area, and a 30-bay driving range complete with a snack bar and bar service. The club has also been home to a golf dome, which is temporar- ily closed following a massive ice storm in 2024. “The dome will rise again!” declared Nix who points to that project being targeted for the end of next golf season. “With five courses to manage along with a robust renovation calendar and the simulator center at Hickory Hills,
owners/husband-and-wife team of Matina and Steven Gianakas developed a reputation for great food and hospitality that quickly evolved from the Artesian Restaurant on 62nd Street to two of the South Side’s premier ban- quet facilities. Over its history from 1975 into the 2000s, Condesa Del Mar was renowned as the South Side’s first supper club. Along with hosting weddings, anniversaries, retirement parties, and political rallies, the club off of 122nd and Cicero hosted a dazzling array of the most prominent entertainers in America, including Rich Little, James Darin, Vicki Carr, and even Muhammed Ali. “It was an exciting time and lots of fun,” said Matina Gianakas. “My husband Steven would travel to Las Vegas regularly to sign acts to perform at the club. Over the years, we became close friends with Bob Hope and Wayne Newton.” How close? When Hope hosted the Oscars awards ceremonies one year, Steven and Matina were issued cov- eted seats to the event. How close? One year, Wayne Newton surprised the couple with an Old English Sheepdog as a gift. The couple purchased Hickory Hills Country Club in 1971 and expanded the property to incorporate both Chateau Del Mar, the PGN entertainment center, and one of the metro area’s first double-deck driving ranges with Top Tracer Technology. A part of the entertainment center is now being re- configured to become an indoor golf center which includes the new Tee-Time Bar & Grill. “Golf is synonymous with Hickory Hills Country Club,” said Antonia Gianakas, who
Left to right: Mike Nix, Matina Halikias, Matina Gianakas, Antonia Gianakas,and Justin Spillman
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