Lou Pappan Obituary, Founder of Beaver County Restaurant Died
by Swetha P | Updated Apr 13, 2023
Who is Lou Pappan?
Lou Pappan was a Greek immigrant and the founder of the Pappan's Family Restaurant chain. He was born in 1930 as Elias Demetrios Papanikolaou and grew up in Makrakomi village under Nazi occupation. Pappan moved to the United States in search of prosperity and a new life. He became a well-known Beaver County icon. The renowned for his philanthropy and his catchy commercials that always ended with his signature catchphrase "You gonna like it."
Pappan was perpetually grateful for the U.S. troops that aided Greece during World War II and often hosted picnics at Brady's Run Park to provide free meals to senior citizens. He worked until his 80s before retiring. Pappan passed away on April 11, 2023, at his Patterson Heights home in Beaver County at the age of 92.
Lou Pappan Obituary
Lou Pappan, the founder of the Pappan's Family Restaurant franchise, died at the age of 92, on April 11, 2023. Lou was born on August 9th, 1929, in a small Ohioan town. He grew up in the region and eventually became an entrepreneur, establishing his own restaurant business. The first Pappan's Family Restaurant was launched by him in 1972. It quickly gained popularity among locals. Lou was renowned for his hard work and dedication to his business throughout his life.
He was an active owner who always went the extra mile to ensure that his customers were content. His passion for delivering excellent cuisine and a welcoming environment made his restaurants well-known for their delectable home-style cooking and friendly service. Lou was not only a hardworking businessman but also a dedicated family man. He had been married to his wife Mary for more than 50 years and had three children whom he loved deeply. He cherished spending time with his family and was an affectionate grandfather.
The loss of Lou is a huge blow not only to his loved ones but also to the community. His contributions and commitment to his business will forever be remembered. The Pappan's Family Restaurant franchise is still thriving today, a testament to Lou's legacy and his commitment to providing great food and service to his customers. The numerous awards and accolades he received throughout his life, including the Ohio Restaurant Association's Restaurateur of the Year award in 1987, recognized his contributions to the restaurant sector and the community.
Although Lou is no longer with us, his legacy and influence will continue to be felt for generations to come. The Pappan's Family Restaurant franchise remains a beloved establishment in the Ohio community, and Lou's dedication to providing delectable cuisine and a welcoming atmosphere will never be forgotten. Lou leaves behind his three children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, along with numerous friends and coworkers, all of whom will hold his memory in high regard.
The founder of Pappan's Family Restaurant chain died
Louis "Lou" Demetrios Pappan, the beloved founder of the Pappan Family Restaurants and a prominent philanthropist, passed away at the age of 92 on April 11th at his home in Beaver Falls. He was a shining example of achieving the American Dream and an iconic figure in Beaver County. Surrounded by his family, Lou Pappan passed away in his home in Patterson Heights.
For decades, he was a well-known figure throughout western Pennsylvania, delighting his fans with his zesty TV commercials that always ended with his famous catchphrase, "An' you gonna like it!" delivered with his distinctive Greek accent. According to his son Demetrios, Lou Pappan was the epitome of the American Dream, he came to America in search of a better life and prosperity but found his love for the American people.
Lou Pappan Death
The founder of the Pappan's Family Restaurant chain, Louis "Lou" Demetrios Pappan, passed away on April 11 at his Beaver Falls residence at the age of 92. He was a cherished restaurateur and a prominent figure in Beaver County, who arrived in the United States in search of opportunities and developed a profound affection for the American people. For many years, Pappan's commercials, featuring his trademark phrase "an' you gonna like it!" delivered in his distinctive Greek accent, brought joy to fans across western Pennsylvania.
He was also known for his philanthropy, hosting annual picnics at Brady's Run Park to provide free meals to senior citizens as a way of returning the favor for the help that Greece received from US troops during World War II. Pappan's restaurants were famous for their fried chicken, which led to his other famous catchphrase, "Chicken, Chicken, Chicken!" Despite his success, Pappan never talked about money and always focused on his love for his customers and employees. His son described him as "the real deal" who lived the American dream to the fullest. Gabauer Family Funeral Homes are handling his arrangements.
Beaver County Restaurateur Lou Pappan Dies at 92
Pappan was a Greek immigrant who was born Elias Demetrios Papanikolaou in 1930 in the village of Makrakomi, which was occupied by the Nazis at the time. His son, Demetrios, said that his father came to the US for a better life but discovered his love for the American people. Pappan felt indebted to the US troops who helped Greece during World War II and frequently hosted picnics at Bradys Run Park where he served free food to over 20,000 senior citizens.
The first Pappan’s restaurant opened in New Brighton in 1964, and the chain expanded to approximately 30 restaurants. Pappan continued to work until his 80s before retiring. Louis “Lou” Demetrios Pappan, the founder of Pappan’s Family Restaurant chain, passed away on Tuesday morning at the age of 92 at his home in Patterson Heights, Beaver County. Pappan was known for his signature commercial line, “You gonna like it.”
Lou Pappan obituary - FAQs
Lou Pappan was the founder of the Pappan’s Family Restaurant chain and a beloved Beaver County icon.
Lou Pappan was known for his philanthropy and his iconic commercials that ended with his catchphrase, "You gonna like it."
Lou Pappan died at the age of 92.
Lou Pappan was born Elias Demetrios Papanikolaou in the village of Makrakomi.
The Pappan's Family Restaurant chain grew to about 30 locations.