Wayne's Feast comes
to an end

Celia and Paul Deese, founders of Wayne's Feast, stand in front of the Christmas Tree at Captain Pete's restaurant after the 2008 December Wayne's Feast.
File photo/TCS

By Jon Mayhew
Denver
The recent closing of Captain Pete's restaurant on Highway 150 in Denver has ended a monthly gathering of seniors.

For more than 15 years, Denver residents Celia and Paul Deese have held Wayne's Feast. For the last several years, the feast has been held at the restaurant.

Celia Deese told The Carolina Scoop she tried to talk to the owner of the restaurant in February after hearing rumors the restaurant might close.

“He told me he was going to try and keep the restaurant,” said Deese. “I didn't think anymore about it.”

She was notified shortly thereafter the restaurant closed and was then left with a decision: continue the feast started by her late brother, Wayne Griffin, or let it go.

Celia and Paul made the unfortunate decision the feast would end.

Celia said part of the decision involving the feast involved not being able to find a new restaurant where seniors can gather monthly.

“We can't find a place that will let us hold the feast and keep the price down to $6,” said Deese.

The couple also cited health problems in not continuing the feast.

Over the past 15 years, the feast has featured local singers, comedians and physicians talking about a variety of health issues involving seniors in East Lincoln.

The feast grew to the point Captain Pete's main dining room was filled to capacity. Seniors from as close as the Wexford House and as far away as Mooresville would attend on a regular basis.

The group first started after Deese's brother moved from Charleston, South Carolina, to be an interior designer. He became involved with East Lincoln Christian Ministries and soon accepted a position as the adult coordinator for senior activities.

“He told me he thought there would be support for a monthly meeting of seniors,” said Deese.

Wayne Griffin died in 1997. Celia and Paul decided then to carry on the tradition of the Feast. The group of seniors – numbering between 100 and 125 on any given month – changed the name of the gathering to Wayne's Feast.

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