The Fish Store Holds Grand Opening Celebration

in Bayport celebrated the official grand opening of its dining room on November 6 with a gathering of family members, friends and the local business community. Live music, face painting and a fish cake topped off the celebration.

Founded in 1978, The Fish Store is family owned and operated. After more than 15 years of running the business, owner Seth Needelman said it was time for an upgrade. "I wanted to open the dining room and have a sit down dinner menu," he said. "We had the kitchen space. We hired a full wait staff and another cook."

The renovation, which also included exterior work to the building, has been three and a half years in the making. "We are hoping the economy will turn around soon," Needelman said. "But we think just the opening itself and the newness of it all will give it the boost it needs to get started. We are hoping to ride that wave until the economy turns around."

The new dining area seats between 16 and 20 people and is available for private parties. Needelman hopes to host meetings for the Chamber of Commerce, Lion's Club and other local community organizations there. In the dining room, there are pictures of the beaches and waters and local sea community of Long Island by Vince Vaughn. The actual frames are made from the wood of the old front of the store.

During the ribbon cutting, Needelman thanked the construction company, the mortgage folks, his lawyer, Chamber of Commerce members and mostly his family and friends for their support. Suffolk County Legislator Bill Lindsay was on hand to present The Fish Store with a proclamation. "The Needelman's are a wonderful family and a pleasure to have in our community and if you haven't eaten here before you should try it because the food is great," Lindsay said.

A full menu is offered, including appetizers, homemade soups, salads, sandwiches, burgers, Fish Store favorite recipes, lobster and crab leg dinners, pasta dishes, land lover options, fresh fish from the counter (broiled, fried or grilled) and a kid's menu. Beer and wine, including Blue Point Brewery selections, are also available.  

Visit www.thefishstoreonline.com for more information.