[dropcap size=big]Y[/dropcap]esterday one of Glendale’s most popular Armenian restaurants announced via Instagram that they were going to donate all of their proceeds from their day’s sales to Armenia’s “current issues at hand.”
These issues at hand are the recent reawakening of the century-old international dispute over the Nagorno-Karabakh mountains located between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Over the course of the last four days, the ceasefire agreement between the two countries was broken. This breach has left “scores from both sides dead,” including casualties. The looming battles that can occur have the potential to spiral into a larger regional conflict involving Russia, Iran, and Turkey.
“Literally everybody in my family in Armenia is going to war right now,” Armen Martirosyan tells L.A. Taco as he prepares to open the second day of his restaurant in which he will donate proceeds from the day to Armenian aid. “This is a very difficult situation.”
Armen and his family are sending as much money as they earn from selling their beloved grilled meat plates in their infamously tiny restaurant to Himnadram.org and Armenia Fund. “The most honorable thing right now for an Armenian man, woman, uncle, or father to do is to die for your country. It’s a really big deal.” Armen’s father, Ovakim Martirosyan, has been a chef for over 50 years. He is a veteran of the Russian army as well.
Mini Kabob opened over 30 years ago and became one of Glendale’s favorite destinations for traditional Armenian dishes. Armen also founded the “MidEast meets Mexican Fusion” pop-up, MidEast Tacos. Los Angeles has the highest population of Armenian Americans in the country, specifically in Glendale.
“We’re going to help Armenia and send supplies to the soldiers. Anything we can: toothbrushes, sleepings bags, blankets, and things like that.” The owner shares that he is touched by the immediate support he and his family have received from his loyal customers from all over Los Angeles so far. “People have been reaching out, Venmo’ing me, and telling us ‘we got you.’”
Arman tells L.A. Taco that while they are thinking about their longer-term contributions to their home country, for the time being, they will continue donating for the next seven days to the two Armenian aid organizations, along with kits that his family will be assembling to send. Armen encourages anyone else who would like to donate and be involved to reach out to the Armenian Consulate of Los Angeles.
“We had such a rough morning as a family and we are handling everything day by day. We’re just trying to be good people at the end of the day.”
Mini Kabob is located at 313 1/2 Vine St, Glendale, CA 91204.
