Athens Grill Owner Thanks Community After Fire

One day after a tragic fire that destroyed his restaurant, the owner of Athens Grill has reached out to thank the community members who have come together to support his family.

"Friday night we had a terrible incident," wrote John Mantzopoulos on Facebook Saturday. "A fire wiped away the entire restaurant."

Mantzopoulos said he wanted to "sincerely thank" the Riverhead Volunteer Fire Department, as well as the other fire departments who turned out to assist. "They responded and contained a fire that could have been more serious," he said.

In addition, Mantzopoulos said he wanted to thank the customers who have supported him for the past nine years and his friends on Main Street.

At Saturday's cardboard boat race, organizers asked the community to remember the Athens Grill owners and pledged, "We will help you rebuild."

Riverhead cheerleaders donated their fundraiser money raised at the cardboard boat race to Mantzopoulous, he said. "That was very, very touching,"  he wrote.

Mantzopoulous also thanked Riverhead Town Supervisor Sean Walter and Deputy Supervisor Jill Lewis, who rushed to his side the night of the fire, standing with him for hours, and promising their support. "They showed their concern about a small, hole-in-the wall business," Mantzopoulous said.

He also thanked his staff. "You guys are the best," he wrote.

"When do I start up 'Help rebuild the Athens Grill?'" wrote Melissa Spero Messina on Facebook. "Anything you need, I can help with." 

Mantzopoulous said he finds it difficult to accept help, especially with so many struggling with the flagging economy.

But friends and neighbors are reaching out. "The love and appreciation people are showing you is because they are treating you as you treat others . . . with kindness and compassion," wrote one supporter on Facebook. "It's your turn to be on the receiving end."

"Out of the ashes will rise anew Athens Grill," wrote another.

Mantzopoulous has pitched some ideas, such as a possible food truck, to help serve customers while the restaurant is undergoing repairs.