Founder of extraordinarily popular chicken shop Salty Rooster dies aged 50 – leaving behind two sons just six years after their mother passed away

The founder of a popular chicken shop on Sydney’s northern beaches has died of a heart attack, leaving behind two sons who lost their mother six years ago.

Jimmy Sagiotis, owner of Queenscliff Salty Rooster restaurant – hailed by some locals as having some of the best burgers on the beaches – has left a community in mourning after his sudden death last week.

“It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the tragic passing of our much-loved partner, father, son, brother and friend,” a statement on his death read.

‘Jimmy had a small heart attack on Wednesday night and by the time he got to hospital by ambulance, (with Claudine, his mum and sister and his lovely sons there in hospital with him) he had another attack in heart that sought seriousness. treatment.

Ultimately, despite the great care provided by surgeons and nurses, he could not survive these attacks.

No one would ever imagine that the light of our life would not make it. It’s just surreal. Complete and utter shock.’

Jimmy (left) lost his late wife Renee in 2017 and helped his sons Harrison, 10 (pictured center) and Hudson, 8 (right) through the incredible grief

Salty Rooster is a popular family owned chicken shop on Sydney’s Northern Beaches

The tragedy comes after Jimmy lost his late wife Renee in 2017 and helped his sons Harrison, 10, and Hudson, 8, through immense grief following the sudden loss of their mother.

Friends have made an emotional plea for support through a GoFundMe page in order to pay for the unexpected costs of Jimmy’s funeral arrangements, as well as the continued and much-needed support of his blended family.

“Claudine has lost her soulmate and best friend, and the children have lost their incredible father,” the page read.

“Life will never be the same for them, but with our support, we hope they can continue to live the life Jimmy dreamed for them.”

The fundraiser has raised $26,420 of its $40,000 goal.

The news has devastated the local community, in which Jimmy has been very active since opening his popular burger joint in 2005.

After losing his late wife Jimmy found love with Claudine (pictured) who has two children from a previous relationship

There has been an outpouring of grief on social media from community members and fans of the Salter Rooster, sharing their shock and grief at his sudden death.

There has been an outpouring of grief on social media from community members and fans of the Salter Rooster, sharing their shock and grief at his sudden death.

‘WAVE to this gentle soul. “Jimmy experienced enough tragedy for any person in life when he became a single father caring for his two young sons and trying to run his beloved (and icon) in Queensie,” local MP James Griffin posted on Instagram.

“I can’t believe it, such a shock and tragedy. An incredible father and member of our community. I have known Jim, his sons and his mother for many years and admire the family and their values. RIP beautiful man xxxx, said local business Beaches Healing.

A funeral has been arranged for next Tuesday 17th at St Catherine’s Greek Orthodox Church in Mascot, followed by Botany Cemetery.

The Salty Rooster advertises itself as having a menu of 17 flavors ‘from around the world to tantalise the taste buds’.

The Hawaiian Rooster is a popular order, made with grilled chicken, lettuce, tomato, cheese, grilled bacon, grilled pineapple, and mayo.