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Olga's Kitchen founder Olga Loizon dies at 92

Posted at 5:07 PM, Jan 21, 2019
and last updated 2019-01-21 17:07:40-05

(WXYZ) — The founder and namesake of Detroit's iconic Olga's Kitchen restaurants has died at the age of 92.

Olga Loizon died Monday afternoon, according to a statement issued by her family.

“Our beloved mother and grandmother lived a long, happy and successful life that has always amazed and inspired each one of us. It is beautiful to hear countless stories of how she inspired so many others with her accomplishments,” said Bill Loizon. “She loved her family beyond measure. Her passion for her work and Olga’s Kitchen was unmatched, marketing for the brand at every turn. We are so proud of her legacy and know she and her story will continue to serve as an esteemed role model and inspiration for entrepreneurs, especially fellow females with the drive to make their dreams a reality. She will never be forgotten and will forever be missed.”

Loizon created the concept for Olga's Kitchen following a trip to Greece. She opened the first Olga's Kitchen in Birmingham in 1970, after becoming the first woman to secure a business loan from her local bank.

Olga's Kitchen was eventually purchased by TEAM Schostak Family Restaurants in 2015. Following the acquisition, Loizon would visit her namesake restaurants.

“Olga Loizon was a Detroit original whose trademark was to leave everything she touched wrapped in love—from creating her Original Olga® and meeting with our loyal guests, to caring for her family and supporting her community,” said Mark Schostak, executive chairman of TEAM Schostak Family Restaurants. “While she will be dearly missed, her legacy will forever live on with Olga’s Kitchen, and we will proudly continue her vision of delighting guests for decades to come in her honor.”

Loizon is survived by her husband, John Loizon, three children, Emily Kontos, Bill Loizon and Ernest Loizon and two grandchildren, Angelo Kontos and Katina Kontos.

Private funeral arrangements are pending. Public condolences can be made on the Olga’s Kitchen’s Facebook page, sent to TSFR headquarters at 17800 Laurel Park Drive North, Ste. 200C, Livonia, MI 48152, or made in person at any Olga’s Kitchen restaurant

In lieu of flowers, the Loizon family has requested that check donations be sent to the Olga Loizon Memorial Fund at 17800 Laurel Park Drive North, Ste. 200C, Livonia, MI 48152. Donations made to the foundation will benefit young women with a passion for entrepreneurship.