SWAMPSCOTT — Through a collaboration between the Housing Authority and Anthony Athanas Jr., seniors rallied inside the Hawthorne-by-the-Sea restaurant Wednesday for a free meal with a view, which was paid for by Athanas.
The crowd began to gather by 12 p.m. that afternoon. Although Athanas could not physically attend the event, Housing Authority Chair Charlie Patsios expressed the importance of gathering seniors for an experience that they might not otherwise get to have, with the restaurant slated to close later this month.
The future of the restaurant has not yet been determined. Since it was initially acquired by the Town in a 2022 Special Town Meeting vote, the Hawthorne Reuse Advisory Committee has explored numerous plans — which span from concepts of open-space parks to a more commercialized site or a blend of those two elements — though no final idea for the site’s future has been solidified.
Patsios said while he knew that “Hawthorne’s days were numbered, I knew there would be people that would never be able to dine here because of the finances.”
“I thought that it would be a nice gesture if I contacted Anthony (Athanas Jr.) and asked him if there were a special menu, as my wife and I wanted to sponsor the event,” Patsios explained. “He declined to give me the discounted menu, but he told me, ‘I’m going to pick up the tab myself. I will pay for 50 people to come in and dine at the restaurant, 100% free of charge.’”
He added that “what that means to me is that people would have a chance to come and experience dining here where they might otherwise be able to.”
Patsios said, “It’s not Thanksgiving today, but it might as well be because Anthony Athanas Jr. made it happen.”
One Swampscott resident in attendance, Elizabeth Delaney — who has lived in town for 70 years — said she loves the Hawthorne restaurant.
“I think the Athanas family are wonderful people. I’ve known them for a long time… They’ve been great to the town all these years,” Delaney said.
Another attendee, Nancy Sosnowski, said that it was “very generous” of the Hawthorne restaurant, Athanas family, and Housing Authority to invite seniors for lunch.
“I think it’s great that they did that. November is the month of gratitude, to give to others and enjoy what you’ve been given… I just think it’s really nice that they’re doing this,” Sosnowski said.
To resident Michael Edwards, the sponsored lunch means a lot.
“My family would go to the Athanas’ original restaurant in downtown Lynn. Any special event was always held at the Hawthorne, and (the Athanas family) always treated us like we were their family,” Edwards said. “They’ve given so much to the community, to the state, and to the country… It’s an amazing family; they’re great people.”
Patsios also cited the help of Housing Authority Resident Service Coordinator Gina Cordy and Director of Aging Services Heidi Whear for their help spreading word of the event and bringing the seniors through the restaurant doors for what could be their last dining experience at the Hawthorne.
