Larry’s Likely Won’t Reopen This Summer; Insurance, Lawsuit Contribute To Delay

CHATHAM – If you’re looking forward to breakfast at Larry’s P.X. this summer, you might want to find an alternative plan.

 It will be at least “a good couple of months” before damage caused when a vehicle drove into the front of the popular West Chatham diner in November can be repaired and the restaurant can reopen.

 “That’s our whole season,” said owner Jay Case. “That’s what gets us through the wintertime. It’s going to be a struggle.”

 On Nov. 27, a vehicle driven by Patricia DuVall of Chatham drove through two safety bollards and into the front entrance of Larry’s, coming to rest just shy of the kitchen. One employee was severely injured and a patron suffered minor injuries.

 Despite comments on social media, Peter Meomartino, a builder hired by Shop Ahoy Plaza owner Tony Zombas, told the historic business district commission June 4 that it wasn’t the town holding up repairs; it was insurance companies and legal claims, he said.

 “It’s not anything to do with the town holding this project up,” Meomartino said. “The town’s been more than cooperative.”

 “The town has been awesome,” agreed Case, adding the inspectors from the building and health departments have been responsive and cooperative.

 Debris has been cleaned up inside the restaurant, Case said, and plans to restore the interior and exterior are all drawn up. Some equipment was damaged, he added, but the kitchen and its equipment was left intact.

 The exterior will be restored just as it was before the accident using the same materials, which the HBDC had approved four years ago.

 “We’re bringing it back faithfully,” Meomartino said. “We want to get moving on this as soon as possible,” but it will take “a good couple of months” before the restaurant can reopen, he added.

 HBDC members unanimously endorsed the plans. 

 “I’ve been eating there for 60 years, and I didn’t have anyplace to go,” commented chair Dan Sylver. “Get that running tomorrow and it won’t be any too soon.”

 Leah Moxam, who suffered severe injuries in the accident, filed a lawsuit in Barnstable Superior Court against property owner Barn Hill Properties, Inc., MBR Home Services, Inc., and Duvall on April 15.

 The suit alleged that MBR Home Services, which installed the bollards, or posts, at the main entrance to Larry’s, and the property owner were negligent because the posts were spaced too far apart, allowing a motor vehicle to fit between them. DuVall “negligently” operated her 2024 Toyota SUV, the suit alleges, causing the vehicle to pass through the poorly designed bollards and into the restaurant, crushing Moxam and causing severe injuries.

 Moxam is seeking damages, interest, and medical and other costs from all three defendants.

 Both Barn Hill Properties and MBR Home Services filed responses denying the allegation. As of Friday, DuVall had not filed a response.

 Moxam and other Larry’s staff members received financial assistance through several benefits, a GoFundMe campaign and contributions from the Pals For Life Foundation. Case said because of the delay in reopening the restaurant, most have gotten jobs elsewhere but have said they would be available when he needs them.

 “I talk to them as much as I can, and they say they’re coming back,” he said.

 To donate to Pals For Life, visit palsforlife.com or send a check PO Box 425, North Chatham, MA 02650.