To South Bostonians, traditions have always been an important part of life. We have the traditions celebrated and observed within our families, the special holiday activities during Christmas, Easter, Independence Day and of course St. Patrick’s Day among so many others and then there is that uniquely Southie tradition – opening day at Sully’s, where local residents are joined by literally thousands of visitors to our community in a massive daylong migration to Castle Island. And so, it was once again last Saturday where a massive stampede of people from far and wide brought their cash and their appetites to be part of this special day.
The Sullivan’s Restaurant staff was poised and ready as the doors or floodgates opened early and the happy and smiling throngs flowed in and feasted their eyes on the impressive menu and then began placing their orders. The opening week half price hot dogs were one of the most requested items as always. But the menu has something for everyone. The burgers, fries, onion rings and the ever-popular lobster rolls were going like hotcakes. The coffee, shakes, soft drinks, smoothies and every other delicious selection were in big demand as well. It does not matter how thick the lines or how large the order, the staff reacts with the speed and precision of a well-trained military unit accommodating all with amazing accuracy. The staff is pleasant, friendly and professional. And for the most part, the appreciative customers respond in kind. And this was the scene from beginning to end of opening day last weekend.
But there was so much more going on during this annual event. Old friends and neighbors who hadn’t seen each other in some cases for years got a chance to catch up and new friends were made while passing the time in the line which as one of Sully’s managers, Harry Markarian said, “was out the door, down the road and around the corner”. The weather was chilly but sunny, at least early on before the clouds began moving in but a little nip in the air didn’t seem to faze anyone. As always, the news cameras were filming away and recording it all.
South Boston Today was in the mix and we were having as much fun as everyone else. We got to speak with many locals and visitors alike and everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves in this festive atmosphere. Kathleen Wilcox, formerly from Dorchester and now living in Vermont says she hasn’t missed an opening day in 16 years even though she’s been living out of state since 2012. With her 2 kids and 2 of their friends in tow, she was all smiles and the kids were having a blast, loving all the commotion. It was a road trip for them. Herman and Gladys Parker, back again from Rhode Island said they make a weekend out of it each year. They always plan their annual visit to Boston to coincide with the day Sully’s opens. Visiting the historical sites is on the itinerary to be sure but joining the crowd at Castle Island and enjoying a couple of Sully’s ‘snapper dogs’ and a cup of hot coffee is a must to make the visit complete.
The day was busy and noisy and crowded and hectic, but most would agree it was fun. Because opening day at Sullivan’s at Castle Island isn’t simply the first day of the season for a restaurant, it’s an experience that people look forward to and return for year after year. As he was downing a cheese burger drowned in ketchup and a small ginger ale with his French fries in reserve, 7-year-old Hunter Sweeney described it in two words: “Wicked Awesome”.
