The James took over Primehouse at 910 Franklin Ave., bringing the same modern brasserie concept that has made its Babylon spot so popular.
Garden City diners are finally getting their first look inside The James, the latest concept from the hospitality team behind Northport’s Arlo Kitchen & Bar and The James in Babylon.
After opening its doors, the restaurant has already generated strong buzz from customers and the local business community, the partners told Greater Long Island.
“The feedback has been incredible,” said partner Andrew Affa. “Everybody has said the same thing, that Garden City has been wanting and needing a restaurant of this caliber.”
[Keep scrolling for a photo tour.]
The James Garden City occupies the former Primehouse space at 910 Franklin Ave., bringing the same modern American brasserie concept that has made The James in Babylon a popular dining destination.
The owners said guests in Nassau have gravitated not only to the food, but to the restaurant’s design, which follows the same aesthetic as its Suffolk County counterpart while creating a more intimate atmosphere.
“Throughout all of our properties, we try to create a complete guest experience from the moment somebody walks through the door,” added partner Steve Squitiro. “Obviously there’s a huge emphasis on food and service, but we also want people to feel our passion for hospitality throughout their entire experience.”
Unlike its “substantially larger” sister restaurants, The James Garden City seats about 130 guests. (The others have enough room for 220+.)
“We’re able to create intimacy within the space and really give people a great vibe throughout the dining room,” Affa said.
The menu mirrors The James in Babylon, while the design carries what the partners describe as “a common thread” between the two restaurants, the partners said.
For now, The James is open for dinner Wednesday through Sunday, with lunch service expected to launch in September. The restaurant is also booking private catered events on weekend afternoons.
Looking beyond Garden City, the ownership group says expansion remains firmly on the table.
“We’re looking to bring The James brand to many different towns,” Squitiro said. “Maybe one more on Long Island, but ultimately we’d like to take it down the East Coast.”
For now, however, the focus remains on Garden City’s newest dining destination.
Take a look inside in the photo gallery below.
Take the tour
Photos by Eric Micallef
Prior reporting
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