Chicken To Die For?? What Was In That Secret Sauce?

Zankou Chicken, a beloved restaurant chain in Los Angeles, is known for its incredible chicken and legendary secret garlic sauce. However, behind its mouthwatering menu lies a shocking tale of murder, betrayal, and family secrets. This is the story of how a successful Armenian family’s dream turned into a nightmare.

The Birth of Zankou Chicken

The origins of Zankou Chicken trace back to the Armenian quarter of Bourj Hamoud, Beirut, where Mardiros Iskenderian and his family ran a modest restaurant. Born in the late 1940s or early 1950s, Mardiros was the eldest child and the only son, with two younger sisters, Dzovig and Hagen. The family’s restaurant was a simple operation, lacking even basic amenities like a cash register. Customers would pay directly from the owner’s pocket, a testament to the restaurant’s casual and welcoming atmosphere.

What set Zankou Chicken apart was its signature fluffy white garlic sauce, created daily by Mardiros’s mother, Marguerite. The sauce became the cornerstone of the restaurant’s success, its recipe remaining a closely guarded secret to this day. Mardiros, with his charismatic personality and flashy yellow Oldsmobile, quickly became a local celebrity, adored by customers and friends alike.

A Dark Turn

Despite the family’s prosperity, trouble brewed beneath the surface. Mardiros, a known womanizer and mama’s boy, had a reputation that was less than squeaky clean. His involvement in a robbery and murder at a jewelry store, although he claimed innocence and testified against his friends, left a stain on his character. This incident made many in the community wary of associating with him.

In 1979, Mardiros was involved in another violent incident. During a rental dispute, he was shot 16 times at close range with an AK-47 by men on motorcycles. Miraculously, he survived, but the near-death experience prompted the family to flee Lebanon, which was in the throes of a brutal civil war, and start anew in Los Angeles.

A Fresh Start in Los Angeles

Upon arriving in Los Angeles in 1983, the Iskenderian family initially tried their hand at different businesses, including a dry cleaning service and importing menswear. However, these ventures failed, and Mardiros convinced his parents to reopen Zankou Chicken in a small strip mall in East Hollywood. The restaurant quickly became a hit, known for its delicious chicken and, of course, the secret garlic sauce.

The success led to the expansion of the Zankou Chicken brand, with Mardiros taking charge of the new branches. Despite his success, Mardiros's personal life was tumultuous. His marriage to Rita, whom he had known since she was a teenager, was marred by his continued womanizing and neglect. Mardiros’s mother, Marguerite, worked tirelessly at the restaurant, while Mardiros indulged in a lavish lifestyle, often spending Zankou Chicken’s profits on gambling and partying in Las Vegas.

Family Tensions and Tragedy

As Mardiros’s health declined due to terminal bladder cancer, he became increasingly concerned about his family’s future. He wanted his four sons to take over his share of the Zankou Chicken empire. However, Marguerite and Dzovig were vehemently opposed to this idea, believing that Mardiros’s sons were unfit to run the business.

Marguerite’s concerns were not unfounded. Mardiros’s sons had their own issues, ranging from drug addiction to legal troubles. The eldest son had been caught cheating on his law school entrance exams, and another son had been involved in a violent altercation with a prostitute and her pimp, resulting in a high-profile arrest. The youngest son had become a born-again Christian, aggressively preaching to anyone who would listen, including his own family.

The growing rift between Mardiros and his mother reached a breaking point when she moved out of their home after a mysterious fire. The once inseparable mother and son were now estranged, with Marguerite refusing to speak to Mardiros, even as he lay dying.

The Horrific Climax

On the morning of January 14, 2003, a frail and desperate Mardiros decided to visit his mother and sister, ostensibly to reconcile. He drove himself to Dzovig’s house, a surprising feat given his weakened state. The family exchanged pleasantries, and for the first time in over a year, Marguerite spoke to her son, offering a simple "hello."

However, any hope of reconciliation was shattered when Mardiros pulled out a gun and shot Dzovig in the head, killing her instantly. Marguerite tried to flee, but Mardiros caught up with her and shot her multiple times in the chest. After ensuring his mother was dead, Mardiros returned to the living room and ended his own life with a shot to the temple.

Aftermath and Legacy

The murder-suicide sent shockwaves through the Armenian community and beyond. With no trial to provide closure, the Iskenderian family was left to pick up the pieces. The Zankou Chicken brand survived the tragedy but was split into two factions, with Mardiros’s widow Rita and their sons on one side, and Dzovig’s remaining family on the other. Despite their differences, both sides continued to operate the restaurants, maintaining the same secret garlic sauce that had made Zankou Chicken famous.

Today, Zankou Chicken remains a beloved institution in Southern California, with eight locations across Los Angeles. The story of Mardiros Iskenderian and the dark history behind the restaurant serves as a haunting reminder of how even the most successful family businesses can harbor unimaginable secrets.

The tale of Zankou Chicken is one of culinary excellence marred by personal tragedy. Despite the horrific events, Zankou Chicken continues to thrive, its legendary garlic sauce remaining a testament to the hard work and passion of the Iskenderian family.