"Big Nick" Stamadianos (b. April 22, 1946, Koupia, Greece; d. March 22, 2014, Ann Arbor MI) was the owner of the Wonder Bar and the Cloverleaf Restaurant.
In the news
Cloverleaf Restaurant owner Nick Stamadianos, better known to friends and customers as “Big Nick,” died March 22 at the age of 67. Born in Koupia, Greece, Stamadianos immigrated to New York City at a young age and was nine years old when his family moved to Ann Arbor to join his aunt who owned the Wonder Bar. After working at a number of restaurants and markets in the area, including The Wonder Bar, Peter’s Sausage Company and Thano’s Lamplighter, Stamadianos took over ownership of his aunt's bar.
Obituary
Stamadianos, Nick George "Big Nick" passed away on Saturday, March 22, 2014; he was 67. He was born in Koupia, Greece on April 22, 1946 and immigrated to the United States at a young age. On September 1, 1974, he married Panayiota "Pat" Menas, and in 1976 they were blessed with their only son George. Nick, an entrepreneur from the start, was the owner and operator of the Wonder Bar in Ann Arbor on Fourth Avenue for 13 years. He later owned and operated the Cloverleaf Restaurant, which originated on Broadway and is presently on the corner of Fourth and Liberty. Nick and Pat worked side by side in their family restaurant and were later joined by their son George. "Big Nick" was an iconic man who was larger than life and could often be seen in warmer weather sitting outside of the restaurant chatting with many. Those lucky enough to stop and talk with him will miss him greatly, and that little corner of Ann Arbor will never be the same without his presence. Nick prided himself in his restaurant and was a gentle and generous man who had a passion for helping others; no one was ever turned away. Nick was a long-time member of the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and loved volunteering at the annual Greek Festival. Nick is survived by his loving wife Panayiota, son George and daughter-in-law Dina, and his grandchildren Niko and Stacy who were his pride and joy. He is also survived by his sisters Lula (George) Koutoulas and Katina Park, brother Jim (Kathy) Stamadianos, sister-in-law Katina Stamadianos, and several nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Nick was preceded in death by his parents George and Panayiota Stamadianos and his brother Tom. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 26, 2014 at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church. Visitation will be at the Muehlig Funeral Chapel on Tuesday from 3:00 until 8:00 p.m. with a Trisagion Service at 7:30 p.m. Burial will take place at Bethlehem Cemetery. Donations in lieu of flowers may be offered to St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church. Please visit www.muehligannarbor.com to leave the family your condolences and to sign the online guest book.
