A diner owner with locations
in Eatontown and Freehold is having the toughest stretch in his two
restaurants’ 30-plus year history, but even with all that, he's still planning
on giving back Thanksgiving Day and not asking for anything in return.
Mike Zavolas, who owns the
All Seasons Diner, says he has had 33 years of success and eight months of
difficulty, but says he will survive the hardship. He will also open his store
up Thanksgiving Day to free meals as a way of giving back and saying thank you.
Even though the coronavirus
pandemic has reduced his capacity to just 25% following government mandates,
his loyal customer base allowed him to keep his doors open. It’s for that
reason he says if you want a meal on Thanksgiving, come by – it's on him.
“I wanted to do this for so
many years, but it didn't happen,” says Zavolas. “I figured this was the best
time to do this because a lot of people I know they suffer, got no money, have no jobs.”
“These people who support the
diners, which is a tradition in New Jersey, they gave me a job,” says chef
Elias Dimarhos. “So, I have a job. I'm thankful for that, so I think we should
give the best we can for them on that day.”
Both Zavolas and Dimarhos
came to the United States from Greece when they were just 16 years old, and
formed a friendship through the restaurant business.
Thursday's free meals will
include a breakfast selection, traditional turkey, Virginia ham, soups, sides,
and dessert.
Social distancing will stay
in effect, and because they are only serving indoors, they are limited to the
number of people at one time.
Although there is no charge
for the meal, they are asking to please tip the server. They'll be serving 8
a.m. to 5 p.m.