By Joe Rossiter, Detroit Free Press
Jan. 31--Former local restaurateur Maritza Kachadourian died Tuesday of complications from a stroke at Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak.
The Oak Park resident was 95.
Maritza Manoogian was born in Kharpert, Armenia. Her father was a victim of the Armenian genocide, and family members fled to Syria to escape.
After moving to Canada in 1933, she met and married Kachig Kachadourian that same year. The couple settled in Highland Park, opening a restaurant -- Satisfactory Lunch -- on Second Avenue in Highland Park.
"Nourishing people brought them happiness," her granddaughter Gail Kachadourian Howe said, describing her grandparents' hospitality. "In true Armenian style, they believed that bigger portions made for happier customers. It was an atmosphere where regulars were considered surrogate family."
Howe said her grandparents served home-style meals at reasonable rates. A plate of beef stew, a slice of bread and butter and a cup of coffee cost 55 cents. The eatery was renamed J&M Bar in 1952; it closed in 1960.
Mrs. Kachadourian also is survived by sons Varoujan, John and Robert; three other grandchildren, and one great-grandson.
A memorial service is set for 11 a.m. today at St. Sarkis Armenian Church, 19300 Ford Road, Dearborn. Burial is in Woodlawn Cemetery in Detroit.
Contact JOE ROSSITER at 313-222-6594 or jrossiter@freepress.com.
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