A Marblehead restaurateur is taking his experience in restaurants and entertainment across the town line to help launch a new waterfront destination in Swampscott.
Johnny Ray, owner of The Beacon in Marblehead and co-owner of Johnny Ray’s Music Emporium, is leading the operation of the new Swampscott Center for the Performing Arts at the town-owned Hawthorne By The Sea property. Ray is partnering on the project with Richard Messinger, his business partner at Johnny Ray’s Music Emporium.
The center is expected to open by Labor Day weekend and will include a restaurant, bar and entertainment venue. Plans call for live music, comedy, educational programs, community gatherings and private events.
Last December, Swampscott Town Meeting approved an request for proposal allowing for a lease of up to 30 months from the date of the vote, extending through June 2028. The Athanas family announced the restaurant’s closure in November. The short-term lease is intended to prevent the building from sitting vacant as long-range plans take shape. The Swampscott Center for Performing Arts’ entertainment, common victualler and liquor licenses were recently approved by the Select Board…