Suffolk Theater Rocks for Athens Grill; New Name Planned

Bands rocked the stage at the Suffolk Theater Saturday night as a crowd turned out for a second Main Street fundraiser in Riverhead to help rebuild the Athens Grill, destroyed by fire last month.

The event featured performances by local bands Misspent Youth, Who Are Those Guys and Craving Strange.

"There is a saying, 'Beware of Greeks bearing gifts," said Bob Spiotto, executive director of the Suffolk Theater.

But in the case of John Mantzopoulos, owner of the Athens Grill, he said, "He brings Riverhead immeasurable gifts. And the goal tonight is to raise as many drachmas as possible to help him reopen."

To that end, the event featured a raffle and a 50/50.

In addition to the regular theater menu, plates of Greek appetizers were prepared by Mantzopoulos himself, who was in the kitchen cooking up a storm. 

Riverhead, said Dick Amper, "is famous for one thing, above all else. We take care of our own. This tremendous response to his loss is the community's gain — and when he comes back and opens again, we'll be back there, because we've all made an investment."

When the restaurant reopens, the eatery will have a new moniker, Mazi, with a new interior layout, and a bar and tapas lounge in addition to the restaurant. The restaurant is expected to reopen in 2014.

And that day can't come too soon for the host of loyal customers who showed their support Saturday.

"We need this restaurant," said Bill Smith of Riverhead.

Mantzopoulos' longtime friend and fellow Main Street business owner Ray Pickersgill said he attended the event with a singular mission: "To support the Greek guy," he smiled. "I can't wait for him to open again."

"John's a great guy," said Greg Conrad.

Mike Spero, a longtime Athens Grill customer, agreed. "I have to support my friend the Greek," he said.

Bobby Hartmann said there was nowhere else he would have been Saturday night. Mantzopoulos hosted a fundaiser for Hartmann's nephew Aaron, who was critically injured in a hit-and-run, only days before the fire that ravaged the restaurant.

"He came up to me and said, 'What can I do for Aaron?'" Hartmann said. "After that, John was gold. I'd do anything for him."

Mantzopoulos' wife Histina said progress on the rebuilding is moving along, "slow and steady." Of the swell of supporters who have rallied for her family, she said, "It feels great."

Anthony Coates, who helped organize the first fundraiser for the Athens Grill, said it's critical to keep the support coming, to bridge the gap until insurance money comes through. "We have to keep him afloat, so he will open again," he said.

Saturday's fundraiser was the second time downtown business owners opened their doors and hearts for Mantzopolous. In early July, friends, colleagues and neighbors turned out for a fundraiser at The Riverhead Project.

From the moment he stood beside the smoldering ashes of his building, Mantzopoulos has vowed to rebuild. "This restaurant will reopen," he said.

Recently, Mantzopoulous thanked his scores of supporters on Facebook, and expressed his gratitude to Riverhead town for waiving permit fees so the rebuild could begin as soon as possible; work began immediately on renovations.

In the meantime, Mantzopoulos has said he'd like to open a food truck outside the eatery to serve his customers until the restaurant is ready for its grand re-opening.