The Beacon Restaurant becomes official site of Marblehead Pride Party

Ever since the restaurant team of Las Vegas entertainer, Johnny Ray and Chef Edgar Alleyne opened The Beacon Restaurant and Bar in Marblehead in 2021, the venue at 123 Pleasant St. has become known for its welcoming charm and diversity. Well on their way to becoming the areas premiere dining and entertainment destination, The Beacon has hosted everything from the first Women of Color in the Arts exhibition at Warwick Cinemas and Event Center, to offering the community and eclectic array of entertainment options including, bands, musicians, comedians, DJ's and even hypnotists. The Beacon parties and events are becoming legendary with everything from Monte Carlo Style Casino gambling on New Year's Eve to their "Just wear white" August summer parties on their outdoor patio, all of which are usually sold out. Co-Owner, Johny Ray said they were faced with "great challenges" opening just after the pandemic mandates ended in the summer of 2021 and that one of those challenges was making sure everyone felt welcome in our space. "Lots of people were still scared at the time about going out in public because there was still so much uncertainty over the spread of COVID even with the vaccines being readily available. Still, there was so much pent-up demand for human interaction and taking back charge of our lives that most people were desperate to come out with a very hardy appetite for food, entertainment, and going back to normal living." As the partners researched how restaurants should emerge in the post pandemic world the experts were talking about the need for restaurants to broaden their horizons into marketing, entertainment, and events, because just serving great food would not be enough to survive. "Edgar and I told our managers and staff to throw away their old playbooks," said Mr. Ray, "and get ready for the 21st century version of the restaurant experience. We need to go above and beyond with our service model and offer a complete dining and entertainment experience that would welcome everyone!" The partners have a unique sensibility when it comes to being different and know how important it is to make every single person who comes to their restaurant feel comfortable, safe, and entertained. This includes the LBGTQ+ community which at this time is really growing on the north shore. "When we had our first party last year to celebrate Pride month it was a simple idea that one of our friends and frequent guests suggested. Little did we know that it would become such a huge hit and so much fun. It was also very touching to hear the commentary of attendees who were very appreciative to have a venue where their community could gather safely and openly." The restaurant's marketing team including, owner Johnny Ray, General Manager Amanda Capone, and Creative Director Kat Black, have partnered with Peyton Pugmire and Carol Roby to promote the party on Sunday June 4 as part of an entire weekend of festivities to support the LBGTQ+ community and want to assure all party goers that the space that day will be safe and the environment will be very festive and celebratory with lots of great food, DJ dancing, party favors, and decorations.

Other Pride events in Marblehead prior to The Beacon party include the fifth annual pride flag raising at Abbott Hall on Saturday June 3 at 3PM. "The Ceremony is produced by a passionate grass roots committee of local volunteers" including Mr. Pugmire. "The ceremony is also proudly supported by North Shore Pride (northshorepride.org), and guests will be able to donate to both North Shore Pride as well as Salem, MA based NAGLY - the North Shore Alliance for GLBTQ+ Youth (nagly.org). Plan to arrive early to allow time for parking along surrounding streets."

The Beacon Restaurant Pride Party is a 21+ event and will be Sunday June 4 starting at 4PM. Tickets are $35 per couple and available by following the link on the restaurant's web site @ www.thebeaconrmarblehead.com Tickets are also available the day of the event at the door for $20 per person.