Pappas Restaurant announced that owner Mark Pappas has passed away. He was 93. Here is the full statement from Pappas Restaurant and Sports Bar Cockeysville
“It is with tremendous sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved patriarch and Pappas founder, Mr. Mark Pappas. In his final hours, Mr. Mark, at the age of 93, was surround by family, and passed peacefully without pain or suffering over the weekend.
“Born in 1932 in Velvendos, a small yet proud town in Northern Greece, Mark Pappas learned quickly the value of hard work, humble service and personal integrity. In 1956, he came to the United States in search of the American Dream.
“With no money in his pocket and not understanding a word of English, Mr. Pappas settled in Baltimore with his uncle’s family and made a name for himself. By 1961, he’d learned English, became a proud citizen of this country, and by 1972, he took over Wargo’s Western Steak House & Stag Bar in Parkville, MD, renamed it Pappas Restaurant & Sports Bar, and developed a diverse restaurant menu including a wide selection of steak, pasta, and fresh seafood entrees including his unique, seven-ounce heavenly crabcake. Recipe unchanged, the crabcake is still a signature, in-house legend for our establishments, and a product that has carried us through the years.
“From the early days behind the bars, in the kitchens, and in the dining rooms of our establishments, he watched his restaurants grow across Maryland.
“For over 53 years, Mr. Mark Pappas poured his heart and soul into all aspects of Pappas Restaurants, his family business, and though we are saddened to have to share this message, we are beaming with pride to have called him our leader, our mentor, our father, and affectionately, our Papouli.
“He built a legacy rooted in hospitality, hard work, and a genuine love for the people he served. Anyone who walked through our doors, felt his warmth and dedication to his community and guests. As all of you know, Mr. Mark was a family man, with deep-rooted love and passion for Baltimore.
“He treated every person like his friend, and we thank each and every one of you for being part of his legacy and his story. For those who knew him, worked beside him, or simply enjoyed a meal created from his vision, we thank you for being part of his story. Your memories and support mean everything to the Pappas family during this difficult time.
“We will forever honor the life and legacy of Mr. Mark Pappas. May he rest in peace, and may his spirit continue to inspire the work we do every day.”
