A Final Tribute to Pete’s Bluebird Restaurant
Pete’s Bluebird Restaurant, which was in business for 82 years, was operated by Bill and Stammy Coniaris. (Inset photo with their dog Katie).
By KEN HAMWEY, Bulletin Staff Writer
When May 20, 2023 arrived, it was time to officially say goodbye to Pete’s Bluebird Restaurant and offer thanks to its two proprietors — Bill Coniaris and his sister, Stammy. Peter and Georgia Coniaris, Bill and Stammy’s parents, bought the restaurant, known in the 1930s as “The Bluebird Café,” in 1940. The 82-year-old steakhouse, which closed on Aug. 16, 2022, was Bellingham’s oldest business establishment.
Christine McClafferty (L), organized the retirement celebration at the Sportsmen’s Club, and State Representative Mike Soter (R ) presented Bill and Stammy Coniaris with a resolution honoring them and the restaurant for 82 years of being part of the business community of Bellingham.
A large crowd was on hand for a surprise retirement celebration at the Sportsmen’s Club to honor the couple, not only for their devotion and lengthy service to the community, but also to pause and reflect on their philanthropic ways.
Christine McClafferty, who began planning the event in March, enlisted Elizabeth Lofgren and Penny Harris (all friends of the Coniaris family) to assist in what would be labeled “Pete’s Bluebird Retirement Celebration.’’
Original seats and a table from Pete’s Bluebird Restaurant were set up at the Sportsmen’s Club to honor Bill and Stammy Coniaris for their service to Bellingham.
“Bill and Stammy have done so much for the community, whether it (was) conducting fundraisers at the restaurant or contributing to countless groups and charities,’’ McClafferty said. “They’ve made donations to Tufts Veterinary Hospital and Bellingham High’s athletic department, to name a few. And, in 1984, they held a huge fundraiser for muscular dystrophy.’’ tired fire chief Dick Ranieri and Rick Marcoux, the chairman of the Bellingham Historical Commission, emphasized how Bill and Stammy have always supported local events.
“They contributed and helped many activities,’’ Ranieri said. “Bill even took time to train and serve as a call EMT. He’s a great guy. Their restaurant was like the Cheers of Bellingham.’’
When Bill and Stammy arrived at the Sportsmen’s Club, they were greeted with a raucous round of applause and a plethora of handshakes and hugs. To enhance and capture some nostalgia, they were seated at one of the original booths from the restaurant.
“Stammy and I were totally surprised,’’ Bill said. “It was amazing. We thought we were going to a retirement party for Police Chief (Gerry) Daigle. We both were humbled and in awe of the celebration.’’
Stammy appreciated the recognition, saying, “There were a lot of people. It was fun, and I could feel the admiration.’’
McClafferty, who also served as the function’s emcee, introduced State Rep. Mike Soter who presented the couple with a resolution from the Mass. House of Representatives honoring the family “for 82 years of being part of the business community of Bellingham.’’ Dick Ranieri, retired selectman and town clerk Ann Odabashian and current school committee member Jen Altomonte stood with Bill and Stammy.
Bill said he “was just a young kid who peeled potatoes” when he began working at the restaurant for his parents, adding, “The best thing I ever heard was a salesman telling my parents they could buy frozen French fries. I was ecstatic.’’
When the Phantom Gourmet filmed the restaurant for a television segment, people from all over the state were streaming into the venerable structure.
Stammy said her special moments at the restaurant were serving long-time friends and patrons. “Bill and I had a nice bond with so many people,’’ she emphasized. “Because I’ve had some health issues, I just want to thank those who knew I always tried to do my best.’’
For years, the restaurant sponsored a car show that raised money for various charities. The restaurant also sponsored successful bowling teams, as well as men’s and women’s softball teams for 44 years, starting in 1977. “In 1981, our men’s and women’s softball teams both won area championships,’’ Bill noted.
Bill recalled some of the sports stars who frequented the establishment, especially the Red Sox Bernie Carbo, whose home run preceded Carlton Fisk’s game-winning homer in the 1975 World Series against Cincinnati.
“Other sports figures who visited us were Rick Middleton, Brad Park and Johnny MacKenzie of the Bruins,’’ Bill recalled. “Middleton came into the kitchen to chat, and he laughed when I told him I remembered when the Canadiens’ Chris Nilan knocked out his teeth.’’
The restaurant has been sold to Julie and Paul Rogers, who own PJ’s Bar & Grill in Bellingham and PJ’s Smoke ‘n’ Grill in Medway. The building will be demolished, because it’s out of code, and a new facility will be built on the current site, targeted for completion in October, 2024.
Lofgren offered a final tidbit of Bellingham history. “The last two steaks served there on Aug. 13, 2022 were for my husband John and me,’’ Lofgren said. “We’ve been friends of Bill and Stammy for 50 years.’’
Marcoux, noting the large crowd, said, “This is the greatest turnout for a family business in Bellingham. The Coniaris family never said ‘no’ to the needs of the community.’’
Retired Bellingham elementary schoolteacher and Uxbridge principal Lori Fafard earned huge applause when she sang “Take Me Out To The Bluebird,’’ to the tune of “Take Me Out To The Ballgame.’’ McClafferty then thanked members of the Sportsmen’s Club, as well as Roger Dooley, who produced a video shown at the celebration.
Bill and Stammy Coniaris had a knack for pleasing their patrons. That knack endured because of their dedication and devotion to Bellingham, its people, and the many causes they supported.
