By Joy Bergmann
Mike Sabry is feeling grateful this holiday season. Though COVID times haven’t been easy for the Utopia Diner owner, he says he knows many folks are having a rougher go of it.
“I always think about being in someone else’s shoes,” he tells WSR. “Thank God I don’t need help. But maybe somebody else needs.”
To give back to the Upper West Side community that’s supported his restaurant for more than 39 years, Sabry will be offering up to 60 free “to-go” dinners to anyone in need who visits Utopia Diner on Saturday, Christmas day between 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Recipients will receive a nourishing meal featuring a cup of soup, turkey, sweet potatoes and his “special” stuffing with pine nuts, chestnuts, raisins and apples.
The diner — located at 267 Amsterdam Avenue [72nd Street] — will also be open for regular service between 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Christmas day. “I want to be open so people have a place to go and don’t stay home alone,” he said.
What a nice and charitable act! Kudos
This is wonderful! I’ve known Mike for many years; my husband and I used to have breakfast at the Utopia almost every day. It’s a bit expensive now for daily trips, though, but I get take out every now and then. Nice story about a good diner and a very nice man.
Bravo Mike ! What a great thing to contribute during a tough holiday season.
I didn’t think any business on that block was more than 20 years old. I will stop by for lunch when things calm down a bit. I’ve been a UWS’er for 20+ years. I remember when Lenny’s Pizza turned into the “New” Lennys. I was sorry to see it close when the upscale Lenny’s couldn’t get a foothold. I’m glad you are doing well in the UWS. Good luck!
The Haagen Dazs shop is well over 20 years old.
This is terrific! Thank you Mike Sabry. It would be great if others could do this as well. So many people don’t have enough food now and many are homeless through no fault of their own.
Happy Holidays and Happy New Year to you, a great samaritan.
This kind of local businessman is what makes a community. Merry Christmas, Mr. Sabry. May you have a prosperous New Year!!
I have lived in the neighborhood 35 years and have enjoyed Utopia all this time. Mike’s act of generosity is testament to their longevity. I salute Mike and the rest of the Utopia staff, for being there for us, and we can continue to support Utopia along with all the local businesses who make the UWS the great place it is…….Bravo!
How wonderful!!
Utopia and staff are great!
I was a regular visitor when living in the neighborhood. Now, I sometimes make the trip just to see their great staff.
Thanks for your contribution to the Upper West Side!
Oh my goodness how amazing to see this, and how amazing this wonderful man is for what he is doing.
Thank you Mr. Sabry!!!
Love this diner and the wonderful staff and to read such a beautiful gesture makes this Christmas even more special Thank you, Mike!!
Lucho at Utopia is simply the best person/waiter. He was there all through covid serving me, my friends, and family. So glad this diner took care of him and is taking care of the community!
lovely! Thank you.
Good reason to order in from these nice folks. We definitely will.
Thank you Mr. Sabry. You are always so generous. We love going to your diner all year long. Wishing you a very Happy Holiday!
A very decent and neighborly thing to do. How is Mike getting the word out?
What a wonderful man. Thank you for your generosity and your care for people who need help. I’ve lived on the upper West side from my entire life, and on 75th St. for more than 46 years. If more of our community would come together and help those in need it would be a wonderful thing.
I would like to make a donation to help you and Utopia with the cost. I will call.
I’ve always loved Utopia Diner. Now I love it more.
I think the city should have given the “Key” to Mr. Sabry. He is a genuine American Hero. I can not even imagine what he had to go through. I hope that this will remind my neighbors that goodness always eventually wins over evil, corruption and greed. BRAVO!
What a kind and generous gesture! Thank you so very much, Mr. Sabry. Such a beautiful and important thing to do in these very hard times.
That is so generous of Mike. We eat there a lot when we’re in the City. Food is good and service is prompt and accurate.
Well fine, Utopia. I’m hopeful your graciousness will be repaid in more business!
Well *done!
Yet another reason to love Utopia!!!! What a wonderful and charitable thing to do!
May you and your staff have a Very Healthy, Happy and Peaceful New Year!
My husband and I used to go to Utopia in the 1980s when we lived in the West 70s. We loved the huge menus and we loved the pancakes (we brought our own maple syrup) We have lived in London for the past 23 years, but when we’re back in NYC we are always happy to see the Utopia is still there! Thanks to the wonderful owner and staff for their generosity in these hard times.