Jimmy the Greek's sets precedent, stays open Inauguration Eve

GARRISONVILLE — It was about 7 p.m. on Monday at Jimmy the Greek’s Restaurant on Garrisonville Road. It looked like a normal business day — quiet, with a small crowd enjoying its dinner.

“It’s up and down,” said Georgia Sotos, hostess and “family member,” of the business.

Normally, seeing customers at Jimmy the Greek’s Restaurant is an unusual sight on a Monday. The local eating establishment is closed Mondays.

“It’s a cleanup day, a fix-it day. I give the employees the day off and I do payroll,” he said of that particular workday.

It was no ordinary Monday, though. It was Inauguration Day eve for a new president. Area motels are doing a brisk business, and people who stay at motels need somewhere to eat.

The event created an opportunity for motels and restaurants to score a positive note in a slow economy.

Still, business was not overwhelming.

“I expected more,” he said. “We need the boost. Every little bit helps.”

At about 7 p.m., the restaurant becomes abuzz with customers.

“I have to go now,” he said as he breaks of the conversation. “The place is getting busy.”

And it was.

One room filled up with some very young people — a senior political class from Comsewogue High School in Long Island, New York.

Their instructor, Tom McBride, said this is the first time the school has embarked on such an adventure, but the class’s instructor said it hopefully won’t be the last.

This is the first year we’ve done it, but we’re going to do it every Inauguration,” he says.

The class is booked at the nearby Comfort Inn.

“We booked the trip last in April,” he said. “It didn’t matter who won.”

There appears to be about 30 students in the room with more on their way, and they look very excited about being here.

“They’re very excited,” said McBride.

Jim Lawrence is a contributing writer at the Stafford County Sun. He can be reached at info@staffordcountysun.com.