Levittown Bar & Grill to Hold Thanksgiving Feast for Utility Workers

Some 2,000 out-of-state utility workers won’t make it home for Thanksgiving this Thursday. Harp & Hammer of Levittown is planning to give them the next best thing – a big Thanksgiving meal and a taste of home.

Harp & Hammer Chef Karen Wilt said the workers are sleeping in tents outside Nassau Coliseum, after previously being stationed at Eisenhower Park. The workers were called up from all areas of the country to help restore power following the aftermath of Sandy, but Wilt said she’s been told they will be here for at least another two weeks.

Wilt, along with owners Jimmy Auld and Josh Malone, wish to give these hard-working crews the Thanksgiving they deserve.
 
“The outpouring of support for families who lost everything has been wonderful, but you’ve also got 2,000-plus people here from out of state who can’t go home and be with their families, and something should be done for them too,” said Wilt, a Levittown resident.  

For their Thanksgiving buffet, Wilt has received numerous food donations from local businesses such as John’s Farms of Plainview, La Rosa Brother’s of Levittown, King Kullen and Stop & Shop. Gift card donations have also come in from a number of generous residents.

“The donations have been phenomenal,” Wilt said. “It’s been very humbling.”

 The bar & grill currently has enough Stop & Shop gift cards and food, but Wilt said what they really need is Visa gift card donations so they can go to the little stores to buy supplies.

“The little stuff is what’s going to add up,” said Wilt, who is expecting at least 300-500 people to show up. 

The open buffet will take place from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. with doors opening at 12 p.m.  Local residents still without power as well as anyone struggling this Holiday are, of course, also invited.

The name "Harp & Hammer" might sound new to you. If you haven’t heard of the place, it’s because they have only been open for a week. The bar & grill, located at 162 Gardiners Ave., was supposed to open earlier this month, but Sandy had other plans for them.

“We had our grand opening and grand closing ceremony at the same time,” said Auld, the owner who once owned a bar called “Scotland Yard” in Levittown.

No matter how many people show up Thursday, Wilt said she will make sure they eat.   

“We are planning the traditional Thanksgiving feast – everything you can think of,” Wilt said. “It’s going to be a win-win situation for everybody.”

If you are interested in donating, please contact Karen Wilt at ChefKarenW@gmail.com or call/text 516-813-6017.

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