Edmond J. Tayoun

Edmond J. Tayoun, born 4/1/31, co-proprietor of the world renowned Middle East Restaurant, which dominated the Philadelphia restaurant and nightclub world from its inception in 1958 until its closing in 1996, died at home after a long illness, surrounded by his family on Wednesday, 01/30/13.

Edmond and the Tayoun family were credited with being the pioneers in the creation of what became Old City’s restaurant and nightclub mecca. Larry Kane, in his documentary of Philadelphia as he knew it, said “The Tayoun family provided Philadelphians with their first taste of humus tahini and stuffed grape leaves”, as well as a host of attractive belly dancers and authentic Middle Eastern music.

Edmond finally closed the Middle East Restaurant in 1997. He is survived by his most loving and devoted wife, Therese, his children Edmond Jr., Annie (and Lance) Dallegro, Dena (and Roger) Mgrdichian, Michael (deceased), Joseph, William, Tommy, his brother Jimmy Tayoun and sister Maryann Gdowik. Edmond is also survived by his grandchildren Michael, Andrew, Therese, Dena and Mariam.

Viewing will be held in Collingswood at Blake-Doyle Funeral Home, Friday evening at 6:30-9:30pm. A Saturday morning viewing from 8:30-10:30 at St. Maron Church, 10th and Ellsworth St., South Philadelphia, and High Mass at 11:00am. Burial will take place immediately following Mass at the Calvary Mausoleum on Rt.70 and Cuthbert Blvd in Cherry Hill, NJ.

Edmond, who had been a recipient of a liver transplant, indicated in the lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his honor to either St. Maron’s Church, 10th & Ellsworth St, Philadelphia, Pa, or to Our Lady of Lourdes Transplant Program, 1600 Haddon Ave., Camden, NJ.