Established in 1942 the Saratoga remains a “tradition in downtown Terre Haute”. For those of you that do not know the history of our restaurant we take pleasure in providing you with this condensed version.

In 1942 local attorney N. George Nasser decided he wanted to be in the restaurant business. He opened the Saratoga in October of that year in a building owned by the Anton Hulman family. After a short while N. George realized that his dream of owning a restaurant was not what he really wanted after all. His brother-in-law Joseph Malooley, who was managing the restaurant asked N. George if he would sell it to him. Reluctantly N.G. agreed and that is the beginning of Malooley’s Saratoga.

Joe enlisted the help of his siblings when they had spare time & was enthusiastically awaiting the return of his youngest brother Abe from WWII. Joe needed more consistent help and asked Abe to assist in the day to day operation. Abe accepted the challenge and so began The Saratoga as we know it today. The brothers developed a philosophy that has proven successful through the years, to provide good food at a fair price with friendly service. Anyone and everyone was--and is --a welcomed guest and many have become life-long friends.

Joe and Abe sought the help of Kate (Abe’s wife) and Lucille Perkins (Joe’s companion) to join their team. The ladies helped bring a new dimension to the restaurant and the four worked deligently to make the restaurant a success. The changes of the 1960’s brought expansion to the Saratoga with the acquisition of the adjoining building. The dining room brought a more formal atmosphere for those who preferred it and prime rib became our trademark.

The Saratoga became known as a wonderful place to start your day with breakfast, gather for lunch with colleagues or dine with your family for dinner. Of course there was no better place to unwind after a grueling day with your favorite beverage and great conversation. The problems of the world seem a little less somber and slightly more solvable when shared with friends and we loved providing such an atmosphere. The "Toga" as it was nicknamed by the college crowd was THE place to be.

In 1972 Cathy Malooley (the youngest of Abe & Kate’s 3 daughters) resisted her previous contempt of the restaurant’s demands and joined the Saratoga wait staff. She quickly became enamored with the idea of helping people share good times with family and friends. Enhancing such times with delicious food and a congenial atmosphere became as important to her as it was to her parents, her uncle and Lucille.

In 1976 she married her husband George Azar who had worked at the Saratoga throughout his college years. The fondness of working there obviously never left George, so in 1977 ,with a persistent "Uncle Joe" George joined the Saratoga staff.

With the failing health of Joe and Lucille, and their subsequent passing, the new team of George, Cathy, Abe and Kate carried on the Saratoga tradition as the face of downtown Terre Haute changed. It seemed prudent and a natural course of action for outside catering to be offered as an additional benefit to the Saratoga customers. So in 1979 (as they were expecting their second child) George and Cathy formed Azar’s Catering Service. With lots of hard work and drawing from their parents’ expertise, they quickly became accepted as leading caterers in the area.

1992 brought many changes to The Saratoga, but none as difficult as the heart attack Abe suffered which left him unable to continue his grueling schedule. The business was turned over to George and Cathy-and the “Mayor of 5th & Wabash” who had worked since age nine, slowed down. After two years of declining health, Abe passed away leaving an indelible mark on all who were fortunate enough to know him.

Kate, who became known as “the hostess with the mostess” courageously continued to be an asset to the business. As always, she welcomed all guests with her unique warmth and charm. She faced the new millennium with gusto and in 2002 with abounding energy, she began planning the Saratoga’s 60th anniversary. However God had a different plan and after a long beautiful day of doing what she loved most-greeting family and friends, Kate passed away during a peaceful nights sleep. The shock still looms in our hearts and the void is deep. We were so lucky to have witnessed four pioneers who beat the odds and taught us so much.

And that brings us to the present. Many changes have occurred. In today’s world we call it a mission statement & the current technology would amaze the Malooley brothers. Regardless of the terminology, we hold dear the same values they instilled in their family, friends & guests. And yes, there is one more thing that hasn’t changed since 1942…the sign that greeted those first patrons is still there to greet you and remind you that we’re still here.

As the second generation of a family owned restaurant, we thank you for allowing us to serve you and hope you’ll help us and maybe our children continue the legacy.

George and Cathy Azar (current owners)

Michelle, Amber and Alexis Azar (future owners???)