UTICA, N.Y. — A takeout order turned into a memorable Saturday at Papa’s Grill Mama’s Table on Bleecker Street when former New York Knicks star and Basketball Hall of Famer Carmelo Anthony paid an unexpected visit on November 7, 2026.
Anthony had placed an order through DoorDash before stopping in to meet restaurant owner Marchalee Shaw and her staff, according to a November 12 news release provided by Laguerre Media. The visit quickly led to a conversation about their shared New York City roots: Shaw grew up in Jamaica, Queens, while Anthony was born in Brooklyn’s Red Hook neighborhood.
“I was completely stunned! I never expected Carmelo Anthony to walk through my restaurant doors,” Shaw said in a statement approved for release. “I was overcome with joy. We started chatting about our New York City roots, and it felt like talking with an old friend. My staff and I were thrilled, and when he said he would be back, that really made my day!”
Anthony posed for photos with Shaw and spent time speaking with the staff. Shaw said he told them he planned to return.
A Syracuse connection
Anthony has long-standing ties to Central New York. He helped lead Syracuse University to its 2003 NCAA men’s basketball championship, went on to become a 10-time NBA All-Star and three-time Olympic gold medalist, and was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2025.
His son, Kiyan Anthony, is a sophomore guard on the Syracuse men’s basketball team. The elder Anthony has also purchased property in Brookfield, Madison County, according to the release.
A memorable day for a Utica business
For Shaw and her team, the encounter was a special moment for a locally owned restaurant that brings Jamaican and Caribbean food to Utica. They hope Anthony will make good on his promise to visit again.
Restaurant information: Papa’s Grill Mama’s Table, 245 Bleecker Street, Utica, NY 13501; (315) 507-2134. The restaurant offers dine-in and DoorDash ordering.
Source: November 12, 2026 news release supplied by Laguerre Media, including an approved quote from Marchalee Shaw. Photographs supplied with the release.
