John Sebestyen, owner of Ypsilanti's popular The Bomber Restaurant, dies at 68
John Sebestyen
John Sebestyen, owner of Ypsilanti’s The Bomber Restaurant died Wednesday. He was 68.
Linda French, owner of Frenchie’s Sidetrack Bar and Grill, said Sebestyen was her friend and an Ypsilanti “icon.”
“He was an unbelievable good soul. Didn’t have a mean bone in his body,” she said. “His passing shouldn’t go unnoticed because he was so beloved in the city.”
Sebestyen bought the restaurant on Michigan Avenue in 1995 with his life partner Johanna McCoy. They helped bring The Bomber, famous for its breakfasts, to national prominence with appearances on the Food Network.
“He was just very proud to be a business person in Ypsilanti,” McCoy said of Sebestyen. “He knew that we would be one of the staples that would help turn this town around.”
She said he also was a University of Michigan football fan and was proud to have served in the U.S. Army in the Vietnam War from 1966 to 1968.
French said the restaurant meant everything to Sebestyen and McCoy. She said the couple restored The Bomber's theme, which is tied to the B-24 bombers that were produced at the nearby Willow Run bomber plant during World War II.
She said she was proud to have a Ypsilanti restaurant become known around the country as a local business owner. She said she would hang news articles written about The Bomber in her restaurant because she was so proud of the local business.
"This is a sad day for Ypsilanti," she said. "I don't know how someone can fill his shoes."
Jack Miller, curator at the Ypsilanti Automotive Heritage Museum, said he knew Sebestyen for years.
“John followed sports very heavily, especially at the college level,” Miller recalled. “That’s all we ever talked about, football and basketball. He was an absolutely great guy. He’ll be missed.”
Sebestyen is survived by four children, John Sebestyen, Joe Sebestyen, Laurie Frye and Lyn Badalament.
The public is invited to attend a memorial gathering at Frenchie’s, 56 E. Cross St., from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday.
Staff writer Kyle Feldscher contributed to this story.
Comments
Hillbillydeluxe
Sat, Jan 29, 2011 : 1:32 p.m.
Deepest sympathy to the family.
goingfast3579
Fri, Jan 28, 2011 : 4:17 p.m.
This is sad day. I have known John for around 25 years. John and Johanna were neighbors for about 7 Yrs. We had many interesting times as members of the Ypsilanti VFW. Of course enjoyed the Restaurant. God Bless the Family and my Friend.
zeeba
Fri, Jan 28, 2011 : 2:56 p.m.
Do you know what's really sad? That we have a local restaurant that gets regular national exposure on the Food Network and this is the first I've heard of it in our local media. And I check out this site every weekday and have done so for years. Call it my own ignorance, but I've never even noticed the place, even though I must've driven past it 100 times - I had to look it up online just to see where it was. A2.com really needs to be a better job of highlighting our local gems.
johnnya2
Fri, Feb 4, 2011 : 10:31 p.m.
Well maybe you should ask the Food Network why they cared about the place and not A2.com. Just because you are unaware of certain thing in the A2/Ypsi area does not mean they should put out special bulletins for you to learn more about them. Maybe you should blame your friends for not mentioning it, or your employer, or maybe the Bomber decided to not advertise this information and it means he lost business.
zeeba
Fri, Jan 28, 2011 : 3:53 p.m.
An article about an oversized breakfast platter and standard restaurant listing? What I'm curious about is what made this place special enough for the Food Network to feature that. I don't recall seeing any coverage about that until now.
Jim Knight
Fri, Jan 28, 2011 : 3:02 p.m.
zeeba: Here's our restaurant guide entry on The Bomber: <a href="http://www.annarbor.com/restaurants/the-bomber-restaurant">http://www.annarbor.com/restaurants/the-bomber-restaurant</a> and here is one of our Epic Portions columns on The Bomber: <a href="http://www.annarbor.com/entertainment/food-drink/john-vs-the-bomber-breakast/">http://www.annarbor.com/entertainment/food-drink/john-vs-the-bomber-breakast/</a>
ypsilantimpr
Fri, Jan 28, 2011 : 2:11 p.m.
The Bomber seemed to have a sense of welcome and warmth every time I have visited. I can only imagine that this atmosphere was cultivated by the owner and shared by the staff. I hope this essence lives on in his memory.
Corby
Fri, Jan 28, 2011 : 6:18 a.m.
John did more than run a great establishment with great food. He made it an environment that was as comfortable as my kitchen table. Recipes are easy enough to follow. Making a place inviting, relaxed and joyful is a gift. The Bomber is one of the great places to dine. Not just because of the food, (which would be enough reason) but because of the spirit of John and all the folks who work there.
WalkingJoe
Fri, Jan 28, 2011 : 12:17 a.m.
Hopefully the family can carry on his legacy. Have heard many good things about him and his business was top notch. May he rest in peace.
Oscar Lavista
Thu, Jan 27, 2011 : 10:36 p.m.
He did a fine job with that restaurant. Very sorry for his friends and family.
glimmertwin
Thu, Jan 27, 2011 : 9:04 p.m.
Great place for breakfast. I have been going there for several years. The kids love it too.
Sharon (Winters) Hallman
Thu, Jan 27, 2011 : 8:50 p.m.
I knew John for more than twenty years, and am sorry to hear of his passing. John was a lively, friendly, and lovable person, and I know he will be deeply missed. My deepest sympathy to all the family. Sharon Winters Hallman Atlanta, GA
pvitaly
Thu, Jan 27, 2011 : 7:55 p.m.
This is sad :( I used to work at GFS and he always did the shopping for his restaurant. I would go eat breakfast and he was always cooking. Great food!