Saratoga Restaurant owner Jim Economos dies at age 76

Staff report

WARREN

Jim Economos, longtime owner of the downtown landmark restaurant The Saratoga, died Monday at age 76.

He joined his father, Harry, in 1960 in running the East Market Street restaurant, which was founded in 1916.

Tom Crowley and Patricia Battista Fleeger, owners of Gene’s Jewelers around the corner from The Saratoga, said his death will be a huge loss to the city.

“Their business has been there nearly 100 years, owned by his family, and he’s one of the nicest guys you’ll ever meet,” Crowley said, adding that anyone who has been in the downtown area has probably known him and his business.

“Things a lot of people don’t know is, there were homeless people he’d feed, and he joined many organizations to help the community,” Battista Fleeger said.

“I’ve been here 27 years,” Crowley said. “They’re like family. We’ve used them for every event we’ve had here at the store.”

One of their daughters worked at the restaurant at one time, they said.

“It was a great experience for her. She learned a lot of good work ethic,” Battista Fleeger said.

“I think a street should be named after him,” Battista Fleeger said. “He’s been a huge part of the community.”

Funeral arrangements are pending.