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.
Ray said the project brings together his background in both the restaurant and entertainment industries.
“Being directly involved in a performing arts center represents a lifetime of work in the entertainment industry,” he said.
The restaurant will offer casual dining and handcrafted cocktails. Renzo’s Pizza will be among the food options, and Maria’s Gourmet, founded by Maria Torres, will also have a location at the center.
Entertainment will be a major component of the venue, with performances planned across a range of musical styles, including jazz and classical music. The center is also working on future programming with the North Shore Children’s Theatre and plans to host comedy nights.
Opening night will be Saturday, Sept. 5, and feature Marblehead crooner Matt Arnold and his new band, Fats Arnold and His Amazing Midnight Hotdogs.
Several other events are already being planned for the fall.
On Oct. 1, the center will host “Swampstock,” a Woodstock-inspired event featuring multiple bands and a community drum circle. Proceeds will benefit the Marblehead Counseling Center.
A S.U.R.E. Diversity event is also planned for October, with additional concerts, performances and community programs expected to be announced.
Ray will devote much of his attention to getting the Swampscott center up and running. As part of the transition, he plans to take a more behind-the-scenes role in the daily operations of The Beacon in Marblehead, while remaining involved with both businesses.
Ray and Messinger, who also operate Johnny Ray’s Music Emporium, said they hope the center will create what they described as “a very special experience to the entire community.”
More details about performances, community events and other programming will be announced as plans are finalized.
Swampscott Tides contributed reporting to this article.
