It was a celebration of the sandwich on Monday in Patchogue.
More specifically, the hero sandwich.
Friends, fans, elected leaders and well-wishers gathered Monday to congratulate the Murray family — also owners of Kilwins Chocolates — on their latest village endeavor: The Hero Joint.
The specialty sandwich shop opened Sept. 17 at 74B East Main Street. It’s behind Kilwins, with the main entrance facing the rear parking lot just next to Patchogue-Medford Library’s back door.
“[Owner John Murray] started here in Patchogue with the sweet side of things by opening up Kilwins, and now he’s taking care of the savory side with The Hero Joint,” announced David Kennedy, the executive director of the Greater Patchogue Chamber of Commerce, who emceed the afternoon’s events.
“Of course, welcome, and we wish you decades of success.”
more photos below by Michael White
Murray, who lives in Wantagh, said the tight-knit community in Patchogue “has become like a second family” since he opened Kilwins in December 2016 across from the theater.
The Hero Joint was built-out this summer.
The prior Rose Jewelers space, which had been vacant, was gutted and outfitted with new walls, glass, brick facade and other finishes for an industrial-yet-modern vibe — punctuated by Edison light fixtures, wood benches and a corner that displays historic Patchogue photos.
“There’s a lot of history in this town,” said Murray, who also publicly thanked the members of the Greater Patchogue Historical Society for their help with a historic display.
Mayor Paul Pontieri also showed up for a bite.
“I’m tired of eating stuff with knives and forks,” he joked, gesturing to the sandwiches that were within reaching distance. “But this is a great addition. We got to make more people know he’s back here. That’s everybody’s job in this room, to remind people where to come for lunch.”
from the archives
The Hero Joint specialty sandwich shop opens Monday in Patchogue Village
Nosh on This: All about Kilwins fudge, chocolate and ice cream
