11/15/2025
To Our Loyal Guests and Friends
It is with mixed emotions that we announce the closing of Hawthorne by the Sea and
Anthony’s Pier 4 Café. For 80 years, we have had the immense privilege of being part of
your lives and the fabric of the Swampscott community.
Three years ago, we sold our property to the Town of Swampscott for its largest open
space acquisition in half a century. As the town prepares to move forward with its
plans, we are ready to move on.
Our father, Anthony Athanas, was a pioneer and leader in the restaurant industry and
ahead of his time in so many ways. Swampscott is not only where he decided to open
two restaurants, but his home, where he and our mother, Esther Athanas, raised their
family of four boys. As a family, we are proud to have contributed to the town we call
home.
We have been fortunate to serve a "who’s who" of notable figures over the decades, but
the heart of our business has always been you—our repeat, regular customers. Serving
several generations of families has been our greatest honor.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your unwavering support and patronage
throughout the years.
We also want to express our deepest gratitude to our incredible and loyal staff. Their
dedication and hard work have been the backbone of our restaurants. We are
immensely proud that some members of our team have been with us for four decades,
contributing to the family atmosphere that made our establishments so special. Their
commitment to excellence has been invaluable.
With sincere gratitude,
Anthony Jr., Michael, and Paul Athanas
