Kickers Sports Bar & Grill In Grand Blanc Sold After 19 Years

It is the end of an era for Kickers Sports Bar & Grill owner Taso Pagonis.

After owning and operating the popular Grand Blanc spot, Taso has decided to sell the business. As you can imagine, it was not an easy decision.

Taso and his late wife Mitra opened Kickers in 2006. Right from the start, Taso and Mitra were deeply involved owners, spending more time at the bar than at home.

The patrons at Kickers were never just customers to Taso and Mitra, they were family.

That was proven in full force when Mitra passed away in October 2024 after a long battle with breast cancer.

When I spoke with Taso about his decision to sell, he asked me to share his heartfelt thanks with all the Kickers regulars and everyone who has supported the bar over the years.

He would especially like to thank his awesome staff. I would like to highlight one of those staff members personally.

A big shout out to Austina Smith, who has been with Kickers Sports Bar & Grill since day one, 19 years ago. Her loyalty speaks volumes about Taso and Mitra.

I invited Austina to reflect on her experiences over the past 19 years at Kickers,

I have so many wonderful memories. It has been an honor to work for Taso and Mitra.  We have had so many ups and downs and have been through so much together. Taso will always be family to me, no matter what.

 

Two words always come to mind when I think of Kickers - Mango Bombs!

Tony LaBrie and I cannot remember the exact year we gave this Mango Bombs trophy to Taso, but trust me - it was well deserved.

Thank you, Taso, for so many awesome memories.

This isn’t goodbye for Taso just yet, he will be sticking around at Kickers for a while to help the new owners get acclimated.

Make sure to swing by, enjoy a beer and a bite, and thank Taso and his crew for 19 incredible years.

And don’t forget to treat yourself to a mango bomb while you’re at it!

We love you, Taso!