LYNN — George Markos, owner of Brother’s Deli, has been opening his doors every Thanksgiving Day for 32 years, serving meals to all who stop by.
When asked what this tradition meant to him, Markos said he was truly speechless and thankful. He wasn’t sure how they were able to do this every year, but he’s glad that he does.
“I happen to be the luckiest man in the world to celebrate Thanksgiving with all of these people because there’s no money to be exchanged. There’s nothing but just having a beautiful day together. There’s nothing to do but just eat and be happy,” he said.
Markos emphasized that the connection he shared with everyone there.
“This is my whole family,” he said. “I’ve been here for so many years, and all of these people have been around me, and I’ve been around them. I feel very comfortable here.”
One of the many volunteers, Purple Reign, was extremely grateful for everything Markos has done for the community, whether it’s Thanksgiving Day or not.
“I’ve been volunteering here for the last five years … I work in the dining area interacting with people,” Reign said.
She said that she chats with all of the people in the dining area and that they all rave about Markos. Reign herself has a personal connection with the restaurant.
“My mom and dad used to come here … My dad is gone now, but my mom still comes here all of the time,” she said.
Both Reign and her mom are members of Mass Senior Action, and Markos is always ready to answer the call for whatever they need. Reign said he’s always ready to jump in and help the elderly with extra meals for those living in the Bond Street and Tremont Street buildings.
“There’s so many blessings that he’s given out … the people come in, and they support him all year round,” she said.
Markos and his team of volunteers cooked up to 2,400 pounds of turkey for the day, and he said that the preparations took about 72 hours to complete, but every minute was worth it to all of them.
“I wouldn’t change this day for anything. It’s a beautiful day, and I wish every day was like this … If I had this every day, I wouldn’t want any money … Having a day like this, I don’t worry about money, problems, material things … this is a beautiful day,” he said.
