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There’s a new go-to spot for beach snacks, breakfast sandwiches and coffee in Ocean Bay Park — and it’s just steps from the ferry dock.
On the Way Café officially opened in late May at 44 Bayview Park, taking over a former ice cream shop and transforming it into a cozy, beachside hangout with a full kitchen and outdoor seating.
“We were fully set up a few days before Memorial Day,” said co-owner Kris Schillinger, who runs the new café with chef and business partner Anna Vigliotti.
After renovating the space throughout early 2024, the pair debuted a menu full of baked goods, gelato, flavored iced teas, egg sandwiches and plenty of grab-and-go bites — all made in-house. They’re also brewing up hot and iced coffee using beans roasted by The Best Damn Coffee, a local women-owned roaster.
“There’s not a lot out here for people, so we wanted to be a one-stop for everyone,” said Vigliotti.
Open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and until 7 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, the café is already drawing attention for its beachy vibe, curated playlists, and views of the bay. There’s even a catering menu for local events.
“It’s inviting and relaxing,” Schillinger said. “We play music by the outdoor seating — it’s right next to the bay with a great view of the water. It’s really nice.”
Originally from the mainland, both Schillinger and Vigliotti had been coming to Fire Island for years and often daydreamed about opening a place of their own.
“Then this became available and it was different,” Schillinger said. “It’s fun, it’s seasonal and it was a great opportunity.”
Whether it’s a hangover breakfast or a cold acai bowl to beat the heat, Schillinger said they’ve got all the essentials.
“We have a little bit of everything,” she said.
Scroll down for more photos courtesy of Kris Schillinger.
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