by Scott Plath

I ran into Colin Finn a few days ago at Market Basket and it made me think of something as he smiled, secured in his car seat.

There’s a good chance you don’t know Colin. He’s five. Colin occasionally comes to COBBLESTONES, our flagship restaurant, launched in 1994. He doesn’t come alone. (He’s five) But there is a very good chance that you DO know someone with his last name and who perhaps accompanies him during his visits.

Colin is son to Casey Finn and Sarah. Casey is brother to Brady Finn, both regular customers since they were also, like, five. Or probably even younger. Casey and Brady are Lowell police officers, but more importantly, great guys, great friends. More family actually. They are the loving sons of Phyllis and Jack Finn, our best friends (first friends!) since I married Kathy and moved to Lowell in 1986. Jack was also a police officer, and fire fighter before that. Phyllis was one of our very first bartenders, who refused to take house pay, to help Kathy and I survive. Who does that? Phyllis worked with us until our fire in 2001 changed course.

Jack’s brothers and sisters have each been customers at COBBLESTONES through the years at one time or another, or have attended an event, and some are regular customers. And Larry, was a lead Lowell Fire fighter on the hose and one of a couple of guys who, in the black cellar and thick smoke in the middle of the night, refused to retreat during that raging fire–risking his life to save our historic building and preserve this legacy.

Who does THAT?! These things one never forgets.

Speaking of legacy, Jack and Larry’s brothers and sisters also include: Bobby “Bear,” Mary Jo, Mark, Billy, Martha, Timmy, Jimmy, Colleen “Cookie”, Danny and Eric. (Does that remind you slightly of Matt Damon in Good Will Hunting?) Don’t even get me started on spouses, besties, children, cousins….

Jimmy Finn has been “our” restaurant electrician for over 28 years and remains our most reliable, trustworthy contractor. (Except maybe the year he took a honeymoon during Folk Festival but still took my call while at the Statue of Liberty!)

The Finn family parents, Anne and Mick were there in 1994 when we opened COBBLESTONES and were Saturday “date night” regulars. They are no longer with us, but their legacy is incredibly special, and they are missed by so many. They would be so proud of their handsome, polite, and funny grandson. Colin is 4th generation guest and although we will not likely be there when he has his first beer, his first Buffalo tenders can’t be too far away! (He currently orders them without the spicy sauce. Chicken fingers.)

As November has quietly and quickly arrived, we are thankful to all the Finns and all of the friends and families throughout greater Lowell and beyond, who have sustained us through all these years, the many and mostly highs, the fires, recessions and pandemics too. We wish a Happy Thanksgiving to one and all. Be healthy and safe.

Scott Plath and his wife Kathy own the Stones Hospitality Group (Cobblestones, Moonstones and Stones Social in Nashua NH) and Scott was a columnist for 14 years at Merrimack Valley Magazine