‘Family’s hearts have been touched’

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This article was published 26/01/2024 (618 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The family of a Winnipeg man who died in an altercation outside his restaurant Wednesday plans to reopen the business in his memory after he is laid to rest.

Kyriakos Vogiatzakis, 51, owned the Cork & Flame, where a candlelight vigil will be held at 7 p.m. on Sunday, says an obituary published online.

“The family’s hearts have been touched by the outpouring of calls, texts, and messages during this sorrowful time,” the obituary stated. “We thank you for your support and kindness.”

Standing outside the St. James restaurant Friday morning, Vogiatzakis’ older brother, Mike, said the family isn’t ready to speak publicly yet about Kyriakos and the incident.

Mike Vogiatzakis, who runs Voyage Funeral Home on Hespeler Avenue, was among the family members making funeral arrangements, as they awaited an update from Winnipeg police on the results of an autopsy.

The autopsy will establish a cause of death and help to determine whether homicide charges are warranted against a male suspect who was arrested shortly after the physical altercation.

“Once the results are known, we will be in a better position to assess appropriate charges in consultation with the Crown,” said police spokesman Const. Jason Michalyshen.

The altercation happened at about 5 p.m. on Wednesday. Details about what led to the incident and what happened between Vogiatzakis and the other man have not been released.

So far, police have publicly classified the incident as a “death investigation.” The major crimes unit is investigating.

Multiple sources told the Free Press the suspect was staying at the Boulevard Motel, located next to the Cork & Flame. Police confirmed they have had previous contact with the suspect.

The Portage Avenue restaurant has been closed since the incident. Vogiatzakis’ family initially announced it would reopen Friday morning, but then decided it was too soon.

A note on one of the doors said the restaurant will reopen after the funeral. The note thanked customers for their continued support.

Vogiatzakis’ funeral service will be held at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, at Grant Avenue and Shaftesbury Boulevard, on Jan. 31.

A well-known figure in Winnipeg, Vogiatzakis had owned the MS River Rouge tour boat. He and his brothers followed in the footsteps of their father, Christos, and mother, Helen, who also owned businesses in the city.

Vogiatzakis’ death has led to shock and concern among people who work in the restaurant industry.

The incident happened at a time when restaurants are facing an increase in crime, including violence against owners and staff, says the Manitoba Restaurant and Foodservices Association

“It’s rapidly increasing. It has been for the last couple of years,” said CEO Shaun Jeffrey. “For the amount of reported incidents, there are so many that are unreported. It’s a very worrying trend in our industry.”

He said the association has discussed crime and other concerns with municipal and provincial politicians.

chris.kitching@freepress.mb.ca