Mudroom to open in former Black Sheep space in Miller Place

Mudroom is heading to Miller Place, and its original Shoreham cafe is growing, too.

Owners Kyle and Jack Maurelli recently signed a lease for the former Black Sheep restaurant at 465 Route 25A in Miller Place, where they are targeting a Dec. 1 opening.

Meanwhile, the couple is preparing to expand into the former dog-grooming space next door to their Shoreham cafe, adding seating, room for private events and a stage for live music.

The moves come just months after Mudroom opened in July at 99 Route 25A in Shoreham.

“The feedback has been so overwhelmingly positive,” Kyle said. “Customers keep asking us to be closer to where they live, so we saw the opportunity in Miller Place and decided to go for it.”

For Jack, who has worked in Miller Place restaurants for more than 20 years, the new location brings Mudroom to an area he considers a second community.

What’s on the menu

Photos by Krystal Rose Photography

The Miller Place cafe will offer the same menu as Shoreham, with bar seating and space for customers to settle in over coffee or a meal.

Mudroom serves espresso drinks, signature lattes, smoothies, fresh juices, soups, salads, sandwiches and house-made baked goods. The cafe also serves dinner.

The Maurellis say they use organic ingredients whenever possible and mill organic whole-grain flour daily for their breads and baked goods. Their kitchen does not use seed oils or artificial dyes.

The couple opened the Shoreham cafe in the former Gourmelos Market, building the business around food, specialty coffee and neighborhood hospitality.

“We’re very big on customer service,” Kyle said. “We give you an experience and make you feel like friends and family.”

More room in Shoreham

At the original location, the expansion will address a challenge that emerged soon after opening: Customers wanted to stay, but seating was limited.

“The amount of foot traffic has been great, and the feedback from our customers was that they wanted to sit and stay longer, but we don’t have enough seating there now,” Kyle said.

The additional space will accommodate more customers and private gatherings, including baby showers, bridal showers and birthday parties.

The owners also plan to install a stage for daytime and evening performances, creating another option for people looking for a night out.

“We’re going to give late-night coffee vibes,” Kyle said. “We wanted to bring a nightlife where people can go out and have a good time.”

If you go

Mudroom’s original cafe is at 99 Route 25A in Shoreham. It is open Tuesday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. It is closed Mondays.

The Miller Place location, at 465 Route 25A, is targeting a Dec. 1 opening.