Mark Vojtek, chef-owner of Mark’s Cafe in Tempe, suffers ‘major’ heart attack

Sad news to share this morning from neighborhood favorite Mark’s Cafe in Tempe: Chef-owner Mark Vojtek suffered a heart attack Sunday.

Vojtek’s wife, Karen, posted the news on the restaurant’s Facebook page late Sunday night:

It is will great sadness that I inform you that Chef Mark suffered a major heart attack today and lies in the ICU at Chandler Regional Hospital. The wonderful doctors put 3 stents in his clogged arteries and he will need some follow up work, but for now he is stable and comfortable.

The Vojteks made headlines in 2011 when customers stepped in to help their struggling six-year-old restaurant, then called Culinary Solutions Cafe. (The Vojteks are pictured above in 2011.)

Designers, builders, painters, and marketers all donated their services to transform the out-of-date country kitchen into a modern eatery.

In return, Mark’s Cafe has held numerous fundraisers for local charities, schools, and individuals in need.

For now, the restaurant will be open this week, but the big question is what Vojtek’s heart attack means for its future?

We have absolutely no idea what this means going forward, but please trust that as soon as we know the plan and our schedule we will let you know. At this time we ask only for prayers, for our children including Amber, and for Mark’s healing.

Get well soon, Mark.