What exactly is a hofbrau?
Hofbrau is an American cafeteria-style restaurant concept, similar to a carvery. The California Hofbrau experience is unique due to its blend of German and Californian influences. This fusion results in a menu that offers traditional European dishes alongside California favorites. The combination of hearty fare with fresh Californian ingredients creates a distinct dining experience that appeals to a wide range of tastes.
Hofbraus emerged in San Francisco just after World War II, and spread through Northern California. However, there are just a handful left now, including Europa.
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About the Boukis Family
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In 1998, their father, Pat Boukis, was ready to retire, and the opportunity arose to purchase Ottino’s Deli in Orinda. Harry and George had hofbrau in their blood, and quickly realized that there was a need for hot homemade food at a fair price in Orinda. They started offering the fresh turkey and roast beef and it quickly became more popular than the deli cold cuts.
Harry and George changed the name to "Europa Hofbrau" after hosting a customer contest to rename the deli. The winning customer was rewarded with eating free for one year.
They paid tribute to their father by implementing Pat's perfectly honed homemade recipes for all of the roasted meats, daily specials, homemade soups, cold salads, and house made salad dressings. These recipes are still in use to this very day.
In keeping with family tradition, Harry’s wife, Lori also became part of the restaurant family. Harry’s sons, Patrick & Alexander, started working at Europa by age 12, as well as George’s children Ellie and Parris. Europa is a family place and we've enjoyed seeing your families at Europa. Over the years we’ve watched your children grow, and have employed many of them for their first job.
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The Boukis family is proud of its Greek roots and you can see the Greek influence in some of the menu items. All of the food is homemade fresh daily. We continue to make quality homemade food at a good price and look forward to seeing you again soon!
The Boukis family has been in the hofbrau business for over 40 years and, needless to say, have mastered their craft. The Boukis brothers, Harry & George, began working in their parent’s hofbrau restaurant, The White Knight, in El Cerrito when they were 12 years old. Their parents, Pat & Maria, were Greek immigrants and had a strong work ethic which they passed on to their children.
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“Good homemade food at a good price in a family atmosphere”
