Scores Turn Out To Help Rebuild Athens Grill

"I came for John."

Time and time again the refrain was repeated as friends, colleagues and neighbors turned out for a fundraiser at The Riverhead Project Sunday to help owner John Mantzopoulos after a devastating fire destroyed his downtown eatery, the Athens Grill.

Dennis McDermott, owner of The Riverhead Project, invited community members to "bring a dish and bring a check."

And bring dishes they did, with salads and other courses covering a large table on the patio and guests lining up to drop checks into tin buckets set up on the bar.

Mantzopoulos reflected on the tragedy at Sunday's event. "It was hard for me to go back for a couple of days," he said. "My kitchen was my office and it was completely burned."

His conviction to get his business up and running has not wavered. "My doors will re-open," he vowed Sunday.

In fact, plans are already being created for the rebuild, Mantzpoulos said, adding that while he's remaining mum on details, loyal diners can perhaps expect a slightly different look.

And when those doors do open, Mantzopoulos plans to set aside "thank you nights," inviting firefighters, community members and others who've helped him through the difficult days. "It's a two-way street," he said. "One day you are helping others, the next day you are on the receiving end."

In the meantime, Mantzopoulos said he's been working on plans for a possible food truck -- and also, to help find his employees, who are as close as family, to find new jobs while renovations take place.

The crowd who came together despite Sunday's soaring temps were unanimous in their support of Athens Grill and its owner. 

"John makes us feel so welcome in his place. The least we can do is show up here for him," said Jim Slezak.

His wife Linda agreed. "He's an excellent chef," she said. "He was very brave to open in downtown Riverhead and take a risk when no one else was."

"He was one of the pioneers who revitalized Main Street," John Stefans said. 

Mantzopoulos' fellow Main Street business owner Ray Pickersgill said he came to support the Athens Grill and his longtime friend. "He's got great, healthy food and he doesn't compromise," he said. "Don't ask him for a gyro because he won't sell you one; it's not healthy."

For his part, Mantzopoulos said Pickersgill and he share a rare bond. "If something happens to one of us, we don't ask, we do," he said. "If one of our basements floods, the other is right there helping to pump it out."

Anthony Coates, who organized the fundraiser with McDermott, said the spirit of Riverhead comes through in the face of tragedy. "From the moment the building went aflame and smoke was billowing, phones started ringing and people asked, 'How can we help?'"

"This event speaks for itself," McDermott said, surveying the large crowd.

Riverhead Town Councilwoman Jodi Giglio said the aim was to get Athens Grill opened again as soon as possible.

And all agreed that the man behind the business was the reason they'd come together to help him rebuild his dream from the ashes. "We're here for John," said George and Dottie Nunnaro.

After thanking everyone who'd come, Mantzopoulos smiled. "Hopefully, six months from now, I'll see you back at my tables," he said.

Were you at the fundraiser on Sunday? What did the event mean to you? Share your thoughts with Patch. And stay tuned for photos from the event, coming soon.