Ditch’s vision for former Relish space in Kings Park comes into focus

Ditch owner Tracy Smith is bringing his vision for the former Relish diner in Kings Park into focus, with plans for weekend brunch and a coastal-inspired look illustrated in the courtesy image above.

The location at 2 Pulaski Road will be Ditch’s largest, with a patio and room to expand the coastal-inspired restaurant’s breakfast and brunch offerings.

Smith told Greater Long Island he is targeting a late November or early December opening.

Smith had been considering Kings Park since 2024, drawn to the community’s growth. When the property came back on the market in January, he took another look and sealed the deal in September.

“Relish had a great tenure,” Smith said. “So, this was really exciting.”

Going big

At approximately 3,200 square feet, including its patio, the Kings Park location will be considerably larger than Ditch’s roughly 2,000-square-foot Bay Shore restaurant and 1,800-square-foot Port Jefferson spot.

A full basement will provide additional space for food preparation and storage.

Ditch opened in Bay Shore in 2023 and expanded to Port Jefferson in 2025.

Its coastal-inspired concept pairs tacos, bowls and other casual fare with an atmosphere influenced by the East End.

The Kings Park restaurant will carry over the existing menu, including its signature margaritas, while adding new dishes and specials, news first reported earlier this month by Long Island Business News.

Weekend brunch

The former diner also gives Smith an opportunity to develop Ditch’s breakfast offerings, starting with brunch on Saturdays and Sundays. He may expand the offering depending on customer response.

“It’s going to be really cool to be able to explore more breakfast and lunch options,” Smith said.

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Top: An AI-generated rendering illustrates the proposed Ditch restaurant at the former Relish diner in Kings Park. (Credit: Tracy Smith, courtesy)