SALEM — It’s no secret that anyone who goes into teaching isn’t doing it for the money. There are some perks, however. With up to nine weeks off in the summer, as well as other benefits (think employer-sponsored health and dental insurance) that are no longer available to millions of Americans, whether due to unprecedented unemployment numbers caused by the COVID-19 pandemic or employers’ voluntary decisions to scale back benefits to employees, some may think teaching is a dream job.
The reality, however, is many teachers need to supplement their salaries with second jobs to pay their bills.
For Salem restaurateur Angelo Meimeteas, the pandemic has been a double whammy. Not only has he been deprived of the normal day-to-day routines and socialization that comes with teaching carpentry at Lynn’s Fecteau-Leary Junior Senior Alternative School, he’s had to deal with the added challenges of keeping his second business afloat as the owner, manager and chief cook and bottle washer at the popular Clam Shack restaurant at Salem Willows.
“Normally the full season lasts about five months from Memorial Day weekend until the end of September, and occasionally into Columbus Day weekend if the weather is good,” Meimeteas said, now in his seventh year of ownership.
“I’m lucky in that we’ve always offered outside table service, so between that and being able to do the curbside pickup in the early stages of the restrictions and our pass through window, business has been pretty good of late and we have been able to keep our staff about the same as normal years. I’m lucky to have a great staff, they are all friendly, polite and have so much energy.”
The Clam Shack operates with a staff of 10, four out front at the window and serving, and another six in the kitchen. While some semblance of normalcy has returned to the business, Meimeteas can’t say the same about teaching.
“I love working with kids, that’s why I’ve been doing it for so long,” he said. “When the schools closed, yes, we could talk to them and email them, but there wasn’t too much we could do hands-on wise, so I really missed that. Luckily though, a lot of the kids have come to the Clam Shack to visit and also pick up some great food, so I really enjoyed being able to see them.”
Meimeteas, who has been teaching for 21 years, said he is fortunate to be able to help kids discover woodworking, which he describes as “a dying craft.”
“I hope the trades come back as they offer good, money-making jobs and great opportunities to kids today,” said Meimeteas, who was born in Kalamata in southern Greece and emigrated to the United States when he was seven.
“Jobs like plumbers, electricians, carpenters, people just don’t go into those professions any more. The demand is there, I mean, today you can’t even get them to do your jobs, and, if you can, you are scheduling them two months out.”
While the pandemic has made all facets of his life more challenging, Meimeteas said he is not afraid to go the extra distance to get things done, and get them done right.
“Sure it’s hard work, but I’m a hard worker. I’m Greek and my dad raised me to work hard for everything. I was born with that work ethic, so I know it’s all about just working hard and if you do, things will work out.”
One person who appreciates Meimeteas’ mindset is Lynnfield resident Beth Aaronson.
“The Clam Shack is the only place I have ordered take-out since the virus hit and that’s because they have absolutely the best lobster rolls anywhere,” she said. “The brioche roll is unbelievable and it’s all made to order. It’s the difference between doing that little extra to make it special.”
Anne Marie Tobin can be reached at [email protected].
