For many students at BJU, particularly freshmen, the Greenville area is brand new. For some—after spending three or four years at the University—the community is like a second home. Whichever category you fall into, Stax Omega is a community landmark that is well worth a visit.

Located on Orchard Park Drive near the intersection of Pelham and Haywood roads, Stax Omega is a diner that appeals to people of all ages. The restaurant combines a family atmosphere with great food to create a relaxed, enjoyable dining experience.

The menu offers everything from burgers to baklava. George Koumoustiotis, the restaurant’s owner, said he believes what makes Stax different is its wide appeal.

“What’s nice about this restaurant is that we don’t really target a specific age group—we target everybody,” he said. “Whether it’s a soccer team that comes in on the weekend or businessmen coming in for breakfast or a family that comes in for dinner, there’s a little bit of something for everyone.”

George’s father, Stanley Koumoustiotis, and another partner opened the restaurant in 1988. One year later the restaurant opened its own bakery, and in 1997 it expanded to include a local catering service.

“We pride ourselves on making everything from scratch,” Koumoustiotis said. “All of the breads that we have in our store are made at the bakery next door. We make everything from scratch, and I think that makes a difference in the flavor.”

The restaurant has also made an effort to offer healthy options to its patrons.

“Diners usually tend to be traditional in what they offer,” Koumoustiotis said. “We still have the traditional items, but I’ve also tried to incorporate healthier items.” Chefs at Stax now use more egg whites, and they also cook eggs and omelettes in olive oil instead of butter.

The breakfast menu includes unique items such as tiramisu pancakes, or if you’re looking for a way to kick-start your energy for the day, the menu also features oatmeal with toppings such as blueberries, bananas, honey, cinnamon, granola or pecans.

Koumoustiotis said his favorite breakfast menu item is the Ironman Omelette, which is made with egg whites, fresh baby spinach, chargrilled chicken breast, onions and mushrooms.

Stax Omega is a great place for groups to visit, regardless of size. For groups larger than six, make sure you call ahead and reserve tables. The restaurant also offers free Wi-Fi access, and breakfast is served all day.

Stax’s Bakery, located next door to the restaurant, offers a wide variety of baked goods for any number of occasions. The bakery is known for its pastries and specialty items such as baklava, Greek wedding cookies and even wedding cakes. “What we try to do with the bakery is come up with quirkier novelty cakes,” Koumoustiotis said. “We focus on things that your local grocery store can’t do—cakes with a different twist.”

The restaurant also offers a catering service to the Greenville area. In the past, Stax has catered high-end events such as the BMW Pro-Am Golf Tournament and the Bi-Lo Charity Classic. But it also caters breakfast, lunch or dinner for smaller-scale events.

Koumoustiotis wants Stax Omega to be known as a restaurant that supports the community. “My father and I truly appreciate Greenville, and [the city] has been the reason for our success,” he said. “It’s very important to me as a business owner to know we are not a franchise; I always want to think of the Omega as Greenville’s local diner.”