• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • My Account
  • Subscribe
  • Log In
Itemlive

Itemlive

North Shore news powered by The Daily Item

  • News
  • Sports
  • Opinion
  • Lifestyle
  • Police/Fire
  • Government
  • Obituaries
  • Archives
  • E-Edition
  • Help
This article was published 1 year(s) and 7 month(s) ago
Brother’s Deli staff and volunteers serve free Thanksgiving dinner as part of a 30-year tradition.

Brothers Deli adds joy and cheer on Thanksgiving Day

Vishakha Deshpande

November 23, 2023 by Vishakha Deshpande

LYNN — For George Markos, Thanksgiving Day has only one meaning — opening the doors of his restaurant, Brothers Deli, to anyone and everyone who wants a free meal that day.

Thursday morning marked the 30th anniversary of this tradition. Brothers Deli, located at 41 Market St., was ready from the early hours of the day to serve more than 200 turkeys to the community.

“This tradition is special because it brings all of us together like one big family,” Markos said. “I wouldn’t change this for anything. Everyone is so happy, cheerful, and grateful. It is the greatest feeling.”

As reported by The Daily Item last year, Markos left his parents to move from Greece to Colorado in 1975 at the age of 14. He left for Boston at 15 to find work and got a job at a restaurant called Big Ben’s. Soon, he moved to Lynn in 1980 and joined the deli. 

In 1993, Markos founded this tradition at the deli in remembrance of his father, who had died the year before. According to him, his father was kind and helpful — something that inspired Markos to serve free meals.

“I started doing this because that’s how I grew up,” Markos said. “My father always told me to help others and that’s exactly what I learned from my parents and grandparents.”

Each year, Markos said, his entire staff and some volunteers work to offer free meals on Thanksgiving. According to Markos, none of it would be possible without their support. 

“Thank God for all these people,” Markos said. “I could never do this without them. I feel so content watching everyone together, helping each other out. It is so special.”

Along with 200 turkeys, people were served stuffing, mashed potatoes, squash, vegetables, and bread. As a long line formed inside the deli, Markos looked around, beaming with joy. 

“When people say hello to me, it is the best moment for me,” Markos said. “Sometimes I don’t see them for the entire year and they still remember me and smile. That’s exactly why we do this. For joy.”

  • Vishakha Deshpande
    Vishakha Deshpande

    View all posts

Related posts:

No related posts.

Primary Sidebar

Advertisement

Sponsored Content

What questions should I ask when choosing a health plan?

Advertisement

Upcoming Events

#SmallBusinessFriday #VirtualNetworkingforSmallBusinesses #GlobalSmallBusinessSuccess #Boston

July 18, 2025
Boston Masachusset

2025 GLCC Annual Golf Tournament

August 25, 2025
Gannon Golf Club

Adult Color/Paint Time

July 11, 2025
5 N Common St, Lynn, MA, United States, Massachusetts 01902

Adult Sip and Stitch

July 14, 2025
5 N Common St, Lynn, MA, United States, Massachusetts 01902

Footer

About Us

  • About Us
  • Editorial Practices
  • Advertising and Sponsored Content

Reader Services

  • Subscribe
  • Manage Your Subscription
  • Activate Subscriber Account
  • Submit an Obituary
  • Submit a Classified Ad
  • Daily Item Photo Store
  • Submit A Tip
  • Contact
  • Terms and Conditions

Essex Media Group Publications

  • La Voz
  • Lynnfield Weekly News
  • Marblehead Weekly News
  • Peabody Weekly News
  • 01907 The Magazine
  • 01940 The Magazine
  • 01945 The Magazine
  • North Shore Golf Magazine

© 2025 Essex Media Group