ITEM PHOTO BY OWEN O’ROURKE
Erica Petersiel and George Markos prepare a hamburger at the Neck Run Cafe on Ocean Street in Marblehead.
By GAYLA CAWLEY
MARBLEHEAD — George Markos, owner of Brothers Deli in Lynn, has opened a new cafe at Devereux Beach.
The Neck Run Café, located at 105 Ocean Ave., had its soft opening on May 5, and is open three days a week from Friday to Sunday. After Memorial Day weekend, the seasonal café will be open seven days a week until September for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Markos purchased the café at an auction for an undisclosed price several months ago. He said he acquired the building, which includes a kitchen space and seating area inside and on the deck, because he always liked to have one or two businesses. He’ll continue to operate Brothers Deli, which he has been running on his own for almost 30 years.
He said the business location reminds him of his native Greece, as it is on top of an ocean like the Greek Isles.
“It’s like a home away from home,” Markos said.
Markos said people can order food at the concession stand and sit inside or out. Seating arrangements can accommodate 125 to 140 people.
He said 20 to 25 people will be working in the café, which will include lots of teenagers, who will be taking orders and serving ice cream. The more experienced people will be doing the cooking.
The menu includes fried seafood, such as scallops, shrimp and clams, hamburgers, hot dogs, salads, onion rings, and chicken fingers. Coffee and drinks will also be served.
In his first year of business in Marblehead, Markos said he would be looking to establish a good name, keep people happy and achieve the trust of the residents. He said he would be focused on providing great food, a great atmosphere and a happy place.
“You have to give 100 percent of yourself to the people,” Markos said.
Gayla Cawley can be reached at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter @GaylaCawley.