Community Continues Strong Support of Athens Grill

Small-town solidarity shines stronger than ever in downtown Riverhead as a second fundraiser has been planned to help the Athens Grill rebuild after a devastating fire last month.

The event, organized to raise funds to help rebuild the eatery, will be held on July 27 at 7 p.m. at the Suffolk Theater and will feature performances by local bands Who Are Those Guys and Craving Strange.

In addition to the regular theater menu, which will be available for purchase, Athens Grill chef and owner John Mantzopoulos will step into the kitchen to serve up some delectable Greek specialties.

Donations are $20 or more; all proceeds benefit the Athens Grill Restoration Project.

Tickets available at The Suffolk Theater Box Office or at the door. 

The fundraiser is 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.