Avenue U buzzed with holiday spirit Saturday as the cast of Brooklyn-based series “Gravesend” teamed up with Downtown clothing store to host a festive community celebration that drew crowds, music and plenty of neighborhood pride.
The holiday event transformed the longtime mom-and-pop shop into a red carpet meet and greet, where fans mingled with cast members from season three of “Gravesend” while shopping, dancing and celebrating the season. The night featured a packed store, a DJ-fueled dance party and food from two iconic Brooklyn eateries.
Actor and creator William DeMeo said the event was meant to be both a holiday party and a way to spotlight local businesses that have shaped Brooklyn for decades. Downtown Clothing has long been a neighborhood staple, and DeMeo said supporting businesses like it was central to the event’s mission.
“We love to support the mom and pop stores,” DeMeo told Brooklyn Paper. “The store has been there for so many years.”
The celebration drew such a large crowd that parking along Avenue U became scarce, a testament to the show’s growing fan base and the community’s enthusiasm.
“A lot of people came,” he continued. “You couldn’t even find parking because the whole place was full.”
Music for the night was provided by DJ Sebastian and DJ Mo. Food was sponsored by Brennan & Carr, the longtime Sheepshead Bay roast beef institution, and Lucia Pizza of Avenue X. Guests enjoyed roast beef sandwiches and pizza as they shopped and danced inside the packed store.
DeMeo said the event reflected the heart of “Gravesend,” a series deeply rooted in Brooklyn neighborhoods and businesses.
“Our show resonates and, and, uh, the perfect story because we shoot, like in all the famous places,” he said. “We shoot in all these iconic places in Brooklyn — it’s like a total perfect Brooklyn story.”
For DeMeo, highlighting neighborhood institutions isn’t just a creative choice — it’s personal.
“It’s how we grew up. It’s our culture, and it’s our neighborhood,” he said. “There are people who are still standing, and a lot of places aren’t. How could you not support them?”
Several cast members attended the event, including DeMeo, his son Cristian DeMeo, Chuck Zito and Tommy Romola, who greeted fans and posed for photos throughout the evening.
The holiday party also came as “Gravesend” wrapped production on its third season, which DeMeo said is now in the final stages. He added that they would receive a release date soon, which hopefully will be in the spring.
The new season will again feature DeMeo’s Brooklyn clothing brand and an eclectic cast that includes Shaquille O’Neal, Mario Cantone, Chazz Palminteri and Big Daddy Kane — continuing the show’s mix of Brooklyn grit and star power.
At its core, DeMeo said, the night was about community.
“It was a Christmas party in the neighborhood in a store that’s been there for so many years,” he said. “People dancing in the store. The store was packed.”
