A man who founded a well-known Moncton restaurant has passed away.

John Bastarache died on Monday at the age of 78.

He was the founder of Jean’s restaurant, which opened in 1977.

Known for its diner-style meals and great hospitality, Bastarache owned and operated two locations.

The first was located on St. George Street and a second on Mountain Road.

The St. George Street location closed in 2016, and Bastarache retired in 2020.

A post on a social media page for Jean’s Restaurant states Bastarache was not just an owner, but was also a good friend, who treated his staff like family.

“He will be sadly missed by all our staff and customers.”

The Mountain Road location remains open, under new ownership.  It remains under the Jean’s name.