After more than four decades in the Galvin/Losano family and more than 60 years as a Marblehead institution, local landmark the Driftwood is changing hands.
The beloved breakfast and lunch spot at 63 Front St. has been sold by owner Colleen Galvin to Maria Torres, owner of Maria’s Gourmet in town.
For generations of Marbleheaders, the Driftwood has been more than a place to grab eggs, pancakes and coffee. It has been a gathering place where regulars know one another by name, tourists discover a local favorite and traditions are passed from one family to the next.
“It is so special,” said regular Gene Arnould, who owns Arnould’s Gallery and Framery just up the block on Washington Street. “It’s real. It’s Marblehead as it was, as we want it to be, as we hope it always will be. Real. Honest. Nothing fancy. Special.”
Arnould’s go-to Driftwood dish?
“The two-egg masterpiece with cheese is my favorite, followed closely by corned beef hash with a couple of eggs over easy on top. And when decadence calls, there’s always fried dough.”
Another regular Charles Gessner told the Current, “The highlight of my Thursdays for the past 30+ years has been Colleen’s infectious smile at the Driftwood — and a great breakfast that did not put any of us in the poor house.”
‘Don’t be scared’
Torres’ daughter, Emily Figueroa, has this advice for regulars:
“Don’t be scared. We want to make sure people know nothing is changing. We know the Driftwood is a staple in the community,” Figueroa said, adding that the chef and some waitresses are staying on.
Figueroa said the menu won’t be changing at all, except for pricing.
“One thing that we have heard from Colleen and all the very loyal customers, they are shocked that the prices have stayed so low for so long, especially in these trying times. That is, unfortunately, the one thing that will have to change, there will be a slight price increase, about 6%, but it will be the same Driftwood.”
Figueroa said the Driftwood will close Friday night for a few renovations.
“There are a lot of things in the kitchen that are not up to code,” she said. “We need to take a little bit of time to make sure we get the oven in there, and update the ventilation.”
She added: “Unfortunately we won’t have a set date for reopening” until insurance signs off on the business, the town approves permits for word to be done and renovations can be done.”
Back to the future
Figueroa said her mom may bring back an old favorite at the Driftwood — the ice cream window.
“That’s a fun addition we may be breaking back,” she said.
Marblehead historian/photographer Dan Dixey shared a story about that window.
“On the morning of July 3, 2020, I was having breakfast in the Driftwood. Colleen told me she had found a sign in the attic and was wondering where it used to hang. She brought it down to show me, it said “Driftwood Dairy Whip” and as soon as I saw it, I knew I had an old photo showing it. It was across the street from the Driftwood and may have only been there one year, 1969. It was fun helping Colleen solve the mystery.”
Betty Breuhaus, the local author who owns the Front Street building that houses the Driftwood, said the change is emotional for many longtime customers.
“Of course, there’s something really sad about it,” Breuhaus said. “But Maria has said over and over she’s going to keep it just the same.”
“Maria is really nice and she’s a good businesswoman,” Breuhaus said. “I wish everyone the best,” she added.
Galvin’s parents, Rocco and Marion Losano, opened the Driftwood in 1981; she took over in 2008.
