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 operated two locations, the first on St. George Street and the other on Mountain Road.

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

The Mountain Road location remained open, with new ownership, but it remains under the Jean’s name.