After nearly eight decades serving the Boston area, Anthony’s Pier 4 Cafe and Hawthorne by the Sea Tavern have closed permanently. In a recent social media post, the restaurant revealed that it has closed its doors permanently. The restaurant shared a great appreciation for its longstanding fan base and beloved customers over the years.
Hawthorne by the Sea Tavern Confirms Closure After Decades of Fame
Located in Swampscott and overlooking the ocean, Anthony’s Pier 4 Cafe and Hawthorne by the Sea Tavern were family-owned by the Athanas family. Known for its rich heritage and seafood specials, the restaurant was opened in 1947 by Anthony Athanas.
The restaurant offered New York sirloin, baked Alaska, Dover sole, lobster à la Hawthorne, lobster bisque, and more specialties. The upscale diner announced through a Facebook post, “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.”
Over the years, the restaurant served numerous notable figures while maintaining a devoted local customer base. In the post, the restaurant shared, “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.”
The restaurant also thanked its dedicated staff, noting their contributions, “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.”
Legacy of Generations
With its closure, Anthony’s Pier 4 Cafe and Hawthorne reflect on their decades-long history in the community. Anthony Athanas opened his first restaurant, Anthony’s Hawthorne, in Lynn in 1937, which later expanded with Hawthorne by the Sea (1946) and General Glover House (1957) in Swampscott. Over the years, the restaurant has hosted global leaders, diplomats, leading figures from the arts and entertainment world, and even several presidents.
The Facebook post paid tribute to Anthony Athanas and wrote, “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 also 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.”
The restaurant was currently operated by Anthony’s sons, Anthony Jr., Michael, and Paul Athanas.
Waterfront Restaurant Sold in Swampscott’s Largest Open-Space Deal
The closure comes three years after the family sold the property to the Town of Swampscott The deal is one of the community’s largest open-space acquisitions in 50 years to revitalize the region.
“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,” added the restaurant owner.
The closure marks the end of an 80-year legacy in Swampscott’s dining scene.
