Jul 13, 2026 | Community, Food
Tell us about the Marblehead Food Pantry and how you help/serve Marblehead. The Pantry is a non-profit 501 3C that is 100% volunteer. We rely on the Marblehead community for donations, both monetary and in nonperishable food. We service Marblehead residents that are in need of supplemental grocery items. Our distribution days are Tuesdays 9am – 11am and Thursdays 5pm – 7pm. We service approximately 70 households weekly at the Star of the Sea Parish Center.
What are some of the changes that have been made in the last year? There have been some wonderful enhancements to our service and program over the past year. The biggest is a newly renovated pantry – we had our location cleaned and painted with all newly built shelving and a new floor installed. There is now more room on the shelves as well as a bright fresh atmosphere. We also have a wonderful group of new volunteers that are active and available to assist with a number of tasks. The pantry has become much more integrated with the community as we’ve met with many organizations such as Discover Marblehead. Another real plus for the Pantry is the organization of an elected Board of Directors. The pantry is now operating as a full organization and holds regular meetings to address needs and issues. We’re very fortunate to have partnered up with the Salem Pantry, and the Salem Mobile Pantry visits our location once a month offering fresh produce and a protein.
How did you get involved as the President of the Food Pantry? I started to volunteer at the pantry when I retired from corporate life. When our former Director had to step away, a meeting was assembled for those who could attend to discuss what to do – there was no plan in place. I had thoughts of how it should be run, but in no way wanted to undertake the task. I kept thinking of my father’s moral compass and what he would have told me. Long story short, I took the plunge and haven’t looked back.
Marcy, what is the biggest lesson you’ve learned since stepping into the President role? Have trust in your volunteers and ask for help. It’s absolutely not a one person job. Also, have faith in your community, that they will rally and get your organization over the hump – for example the SNAP debacle this past fall. .
What do you love most about Marblehead? It’s a close community that shares both joy and sorrow. There are resources here for everyone from the 65+ community to mental health services to things like the pantry.
More Information:
Marblehead Food Pantry
Marcy Schwam, Board President
80 Atlantic Ave., Marblehead
Mailing Address: PO Box 233, Marblehead
MarbleheadFoodPantry.org
Nov 13, 2024 | Businesses, Community, Food
Photo (left to right): Andrew Alleyne, Curt Havens, Johnny Ray and Edgar Alleyne
Tell us about the Beacon Restaurant & Bar. The new owners of the Beacon Restaurant & Bar, as well as the Warwick Cinemas, are Johnny Ray, Edgar Alleyne and his brothers (Andrew & Ken), and me, Curt Havens. Johnny and Edgar asked me to get involved about 19 months ago. We acquired the business from previous ownership officially on May 21st of this year. At The Beacon we provide an extremely unique dining and entertainment experience. My partners have a combined 60 years of experience in the entertainment and hospitality industry. With Edgar being an executive chef most of his life and Johnny’s lifetime of experience as an entertainer, and my business acumen and attention to detail, the three of us make quite a team. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would own a restaurant. When I was a young boy, the McNulty family owned the cinemas, and I remember many times going to that theater to buy my ticket and a bag of popcorn from Tom McNulty himself. Now I actually own the theaters with great partners. I pinch myself sometimes thinking this is all a dream but it’s a beautiful reality. When you go to our website under the owners, you will find more detail about us well as upcoming entertainment events, operating hours and, of course, our incredible menu by Chef Edgar.
What are some of the recent changes The Beacon has made? We’re always looking for ways to enhance our wonderful brand. Some of our recent changes include being open 7 days a week. We’re also open for brunch on Sundays and serve right into dinner. Chef Edgar’s unique ability to create wonderful specials, along with our mainstay menu, has been a huge part of our success. One of the most exciting things that is happening and growing rapidly is becoming an unbelievable destination for special events. Life celebrations, retirement parties, wedding receptions…the list is endless. The restaurant itself is capable of handling up to 150 people comfortably and when weather permits, our gorgeous outdoor patio and open-air concept is one-of-a-kind here in town. This gives us the opportunity to serve at many times of the year up to 225 people. With only a few venues that can host large events in Town, Marblehead is in need of a great place to hold celebrations like these. We’re uniquely equipped and qualified and have already done dozens of them since we acquired ownership. This has been very exciting and has been an important part of growing our business and our brand.
What are some of the fun events coming up that people can look forward to attending? We have special events coming up for the remainder of the year and beyond. We’re working closely with the Marblehead pride community to offer Sunday tea dances which date back to the 1950s in Manhattan. An extremely special event happening on Thursday, December 12th is our first annual toy drive with the help of the Marblehead Fire Department and of course the wonderful community of Marblehead. This is in honor of my brother Michael John Havens who, for over 15 years, hosted a toy drive event at the Gerry5 and raised thousands of unwrapped toys for needy children all over the North Shore. The Beacon has taken up this wonderful tradition and ask people between now and December 12th to drop off an unwrapped toy (or gift card for an older child to buy what they wish) for a donation which will be distributed with the help of Tim Cronin at the Marblehead Fire Department. Shortly thereafter on December 19th is the Christmas pageant which is always a lot of fun and you will hear more about that in the upcoming weeks. Wrapping up the 2024 calendar year is our famous New Year’s Eve party with Las Vegas style gambling and theme party.
What’s the best piece of business advice you’ve ever received? It might sound cliché, but follow your dreams, be persistent and don’t take no for an answer. If you truly believe and have passion for something, anything is possible. I learned that advice from a gentleman who gave me my first shot on television with my national home improvement television show I had in the early 90’s. He said my task would be largely impossible, but I had a vision and persevered and it molded my character and made me the successful businessman I am today. That one moment being told it can’t be done and then doing it successfully taught me the biggest life lesson that I will carry for the rest of my life and pass on to my children.
What is your favorite spot in Marblehead, and why? There are so many favorite spots in town, I don’t even know where to start. Marblehead is a wonderful walking town with so many things to see and do and history to learn, as well as incredible dining. I was asked recently since I became an owner of a restaurant…do we have competition out there and my answer was an emphatic NO. I don’t consider other restaurants’ competition; I call it a coalition. We all care about one another, support one another and every restaurant in town offers something unique. I visit them all frequently as I love to dine out. Our businesses collectively are the backbone of this community, and we work together on a regular basis to build each other up so we all can be successful.
The Beacon Restaurant and Bar
Owners: Curt Havens, Johnny Ray, Edgar Alleyne, Andrew Alleyne, and Ken Alleyne
123 Pleasant St, Marblehead
thebeaconmarblehead.com
Nov 13, 2023 | Businesses, Community, Food
Tell us about Elia Taverna. Elia is a family run Greek restaurant with homemade recipes that we grew up on. We wanted to bring these recipes to life for more people to enjoy. Marblehead was an amazing area for us to create this experience for the community. Some of our many goals include providing great food, great service and to create friendships with our customers.
What is your role with Elia Taverna? I have been with Elia since the beginning. I run the day-to-day operations. I’ve made many friendships in Marblehead because of the restaurant, and I will continue to provide the best service I can for the community.
What are some of the special events at Elia? Each week we have events at the restaurant. Every Tuesday we have pasta night where we create three different Greek pasta entrees. On Wednesday nights from 4pm-6pm we offer half off appetizers. We have also started offering lunch hours every weekend, Saturday and Sunday, starting at 12pm. When we first opened a lot of people did not know much about Greek wines, so we started a monthly wine tasting. The first Sunday of every month we offer a four-course meal where we pair each course with a different wine. We create a beautiful atmosphere with Live Greek music playing in the background. Our Greek Wine Expert, Yiannis, is also in attendance explaining each wine to those who attend the wine tasting dinners.
What is the best piece of business advice you’ve ever received? The best piece of business advice I have ever received would have to be, “find a job that you enjoy doing every day to the point where it doesn’t feel like a job”.
Elia Taverna
Angelo Bido
261 Washington St, Marblehead
www.EliaTavernaMa.com
Oct 16, 2023 | Businesses, Food
Tell us about The Landing Restaurant. The Landing is a landmark restaurant that was first established in 1972. I was fortunate to join the Partners back in 2002. Over the last few years, we’ve gone through a few menu changes and several renovations. Once known solely for the great view of the harbor, the new fresh look, and current culinary team. have made us one of the premiere restaurants on the North Shore. I’ve always loved hospitality and we pride ourselves on the way we make our guests (locals and tourists) feel when they enter our house. The addition of the Function Room has given patrons a beautiful option in town to celebrate those family moments or business affairs.
What is the best piece of business advice you’ve ever received? A great piece of restaurant business advice I received was “MBWA” – Manage by Walking Around. You must have the ability to manage the numbers upstairs in the office, but you get more out of your people and understand more of your business by being on the floor and talking to people. Keeping your eye on the moving parts helps you identify problems and find solutions quickly.
What is your favorite spot in Marblehead, and why? My favorite spot in Marblehead would have to be The Landing. I spend a lot of time there. Looking out at the Harbor and talking to the fisherman on the dock is one of the most unique experiences that I get to enjoy on a daily basis. I am very fortunate indeed!
What is something that people would be surprised to learn about you? It might surprise people to know that I spent over 14 years in Southern California. I first went out there in 1979 to pursue a dream of becoming a stuntman – tough job to break into…literally. After crashing my motorcycle 3 times I felt the safer bet would be to continue school and make the restaurant business my career.
The Landing Restaurant
Partner & General Manager: Robert Simonelli
81 Front Street, Marblehead
www.thelandingrestaurant.com
Apr 27, 2023 | Food
Tell Us About Fresca Pizza and Pasta and why you started it. Our business, Fresca Pizza and Pasta, is a dream come true for us. We’ve always wanted to serve traditional Italian casual food, in a welcoming atmosphere where customers become friends, and hopefully become repeat customers. Our employees are family. We all have a passion for fresh ingredients, and our prized wood fire Neapolitan Brick Oven gives a special touch to everything we cook.
What is the best piece of business advice you ever received? Create goals and enjoy the journey. Bring enthusiasm and creativity to the workplace every day and success will follow.
What is your favorite spot in Marblehead, and why? Being originally from Brazil…the beach! Our favorite beach spot in Marblehead is Devereux Beach. It’s the perfect place to just sit and relax, with a delicious FRESCARITA (MARGHERITA PIZZA), of course!
What is something people would be surprised to learn about you? Not too many surprises, but we like to relax with our two American Staffordshire Terriers on the couch after a long day at the restaurant, with a delicious homemade Cannoli!
For More Information:
Fresca Pizza & Pasta
Owners: Claudio Araujo & Dan Domingues
781-990-1968
www.frescapizzaandpasta.com
Jun 27, 2019 | Activities, Arts, Businesses, Community, Events, Food, Historic, News, Shopping, Travel
We can’t think of summer in Marblehead without thinking about the Festival of Arts. For over 50 years, the festival has been a celebration of all things art related, attracting incredible artists from near and far. Whether you enjoy film, music, writing, painting, photography, there is something for everyone to enjoy!
Marblehead is a community bursting with arts and culture and it’s wonderful to be able to celebrate that on such a grand scale every year. We appreciate all the hard work the volunteers and board members do to create such an amazing event. A lot of time and dedication, all year round, goes into making the Festival of Arts the great success it is!
The 2019 festival runs from July 4th – July 7th. To learn more about all of the events happening around town during the week of the festival, go to our culture page – https://discovermhd.com/culture/
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