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Valley Stream Halloween 2024: See why breakfast at Mitchell’s restaurant is a bone-chilling good time

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Mitchell’s Restaurant, on Rockaway Avenue, has become a local highlight this Halloween season, attracting attention for its unusually pale and garish-looking greeters: skeletons and one or two witches.

Normally known for its classic diner offerings and family-friendly atmosphere, Mitchell’s has a lesser-known reputation for embracing the Halloween spirit in a way that has captured the interest of regulars and newcomers alike for ages.

The centerpiece of this year’s decor is an eight-foot-tall skeleton, drawing immediate attention from diners as they walk in.

“That was the big wow this year,” restaurant manager Vicky Sourgoutsis said. “Everyone loves it. I’ve never seen a big skeleton in any restaurant, so far. I think the community reacted pretty well. When people walk in, everyone’s like ‘Wow, you guys really outdid it this year.’ I’ve seen a few more people come in, especially families, so that’s great.”

In addition to the large skeleton, the restaurant is filled with a variety of decorations, including skeletons seated at tables set with candles, black roses, and spider webs. There are also two talking witches with light-up eyes and voice-activated movements. Make no bones about it: the overall décor is designed to be fun rather than frightening, to make the space enjoyable for visitors of all ages.

“The fact that the skeletons are seated at a table with customers is very original and spooky,” customer Brian Keller said. “Just a very realistic display indicating that the skeletons want to be treated like other customers.”

“Mitchell’s does not miss a beat with all-out creative decorations for every holiday and every season,” customer Bobby Inzerillo continued.

“There’s nothing better than breakfast with a giant Skeleton or a talking witch.”

Sourgoutsis explained that the decorating process begins about a month before the holiday, with the restaurant staff handling all the details rather than hiring decorators. The decorations are from local party and Halloween stores or from past years.

While Mitchell’s has not introduced any Halloween-themed food or drinks this year, the restaurant continues to serve its usual breakfast, lunch, and dinner options.

Sourgoutsis did mention the possibility of adding pumpkin pancakes in the future, as a nod to the season.

The decision to decorate for holidays, especially including Halloween and Christmas, is a long-standing tradition at Mitchell’s.

“Regardless of the holiday, we always try to blow it up,” Sourgoutsis said.

“We have boxes of decorations in the basement that we’ve accumulated over the years. It’s important to decorate because it not only may boost your business but it’s just a nice feeling to see stores decorated. It puts you in the spirit and may even make you smile.”

Despite the building’s old age and haunting decor, Sourgoutsis assured that no paranormal activity has ever been encountered at the restaurant. While the decorations may give the space a haunted feel, it’s all in the spirit of fun.

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