Mike John Anagnopoulos

Mike John Anagnopoulos
“Efthemios”
July 14th, 1938 – December 11th, 2023

Born the youngest of six children on July 14th, 1938, Mike J. Anagnopoulos survived a very difficult childhood during World War II, while being raised in a small mountain village, Pavliani, Greece. After his father, John B. Anagnopoulos, was killed when Mike was just a small child, he eventually dropped out of school at the age of eleven to go live and work in Athens with his sister Margarita. With a deep love for his homeland, Mike joined the Greek military when he was eighteen and completed his service to his country. 

Mike worked numerous jobs in Athens until 1966. He missed his brother Bill terribly, so he decided to join him in the United States - Phoenix, Arizona, to be exact. Shortly after arriving from Greece, Mike met his future wife Alexandra (“Alex”). They married in 1969 and welcomed their firstborn, John, the next year. Their family grew in the following years as daughters Dina and Vicki were born. 

Professionally, Mike and Bill went to work for their Uncle Tom Annos at the Nogales Cafe. In 1970, the two brothers purchased the property next door and opened the Nogales Bar. That experience laid the foundation for their greatest success - the Matador Restaurant - which the two brothers opened in 1976. What began as a small restaurant in a tiny space would grow into an iconic downtown staple after they moved into a larger space on 1st Street and Adams in 1983. 

Mike would suffer personal tragedy in 1988 when his beloved brother and business partner Bill passed away. When Bill’s wife Irini passed away, Mike felt a deep responsibility for their children - John, Dina & Steve. He loved them as his own. 

Mike thrived professionally and became one of downtown Phoenix’s true pioneers. In 1999, he and his wife Alex received the “DREAMER - UNSUNG HEROES” award from the city of Phoenix for their role in the continued growth of the downtown area. 

Mike, with his 6th grade education, saw success beyond his wildest dreams and even dabbled in politics, hosting numerous political fundraisers at the restaurant. He and Alex were actually invited to a state dinner at The White House by President Bill Clinton in 1996, something Mike considered one of the highlights of his life. Throughout his career at the Matador, he had the opportunity to work with amazing employees, serve dedicated customers and meet many notable public figures, some who ultimately became lifelong friends. In fact, it was his relationships with his immediate family, large extended family, and restaurant family that Mike considered his greatest achievements. 

Mike was the embodiment of the ‘American Dream.’

The Matador closed in 2012 after 35 years downtown, which led to Mike’s retirement soon after. 

After a months long battle with illness, Mike passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones on Monday, December 11th of 2023. He was preceded in death by his mother Kostandia, father John, mother-in-law Evangelia, brother Bill (Irene) and sisters Margarita (Niko), Katina (Panayioti), Terpsithea (Christo) and Vayia (Athanasi). 

He was a force of nature in life and will be missed tremendously by those who knew him. Mike is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Alex, children Vicki, Dina, and John; his niece and nephews, Dina, John, and Steve, whom he thought of as his own children; and his cousin Georgia, who was more like a sister to him. He is also survived by numerous “grandchildren” in Phoenix as well as his nieces and nephews in Greece who referred to him as their favorite uncle. There are many, many more friends and relatives - both in Phoenix and Greece - that he leaves behind who will forever cherish his memory.

Rest easy Mike, you have earned it.

In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral.