Munsters Eatery

MEAL WITH A MUNSTER
By TOM SOTER
from VIDEO, 1991

To some, typecasting and old age can be a road block. Not for Al Lewis. Four years ago, the erstwhile actor, now 81 and best known as Grampa on the 26-year-old TV series The Munsters, began a new career as the owner of a New York City restaurant called – what else? – Grampa's. Although the menu of pasta, fish, and chicken (no red meat) is for the health conscious, the eatery's initial appeal is for Munsters fans. Lewis says 99 percent of the first-timers come because of the TV connection but return for the food.

"I'm beyond famous, I'm a cult," remarks Lewis, who notes that the show is still seen in 44 countries. The actor plans to franchise his restaurant in Boston, Philadelphia, and Chicago, but scoffs at suggestions that this is a new turn in his career. "What's the difference between selling a ticket for a show and selling a ticket for a restaurant? If people like the show, they applaud and tell friends. If they like the food, it's the same thing. They come back." Can an Addams Family catering service be far behind?