At the age of 80, Gus Butchikas, the son of Angelo’s Steak Pit founder, passes away.
According to his obituary, Gus Butchikas passed away on September 21 at Lisenby Hospital in Panama City. Angelo Butchikas, Butchikas’ father, opened Angelo’s Steak Pit at 711 W. Beach Drive in 1954. In 1951, he had previously set his shop at 29 E. Fifth St. in the heart of Panama City.
He constructed the present eatery at 9527 Front Beach Road in 1958. Angelo Butchikas left the restaurant to his four children after his death in 1963. After working with his father for a number of years, Gus Butchikas quit the company to follow his dreams of becoming an entrepreneur. In subsequent years, Angelo’s Steak Pit was owned exclusively by Gus’ brother, George.
“Gus was devoted to God and deeply committed to his beloved wife of 47 years, Patti, who was the steady heart of his life,” according to the notice. “He was also dedicated to public service, serving for many years on the Salvation Army Advisory Board, working faithfully at local and state election polls for over 40 years, and being a trusted campaigner and confidant to community and political leaders.”