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Stony Brook residents and students alike will soon be digging into lobster rolls and mahi tacos in the old D.P. Dough location that was just outside campus.
A D.J.’s Clam Shack is expected to open this October at 1007 NY-25A, filling the vacancy left by college student-favorite D.P. Dough.
The D.P. Dough location announced in July it would be closed for the unforeseen future.
For Paul Riggiao, the calzone closure smelled like an opportunity.
Riggiao, 55, of Stony Brook, said he moved back to his hometown from the city four months ago. The vacancy was the perfect location for he and childhood friend turned business partner Jeff Gagnon’s third D.J.’s Clam Shack.
“I think it’s gonna be a lot of fun for the neighborhood,” Riggiao said. “I have a lot of friends that live here, I know a lot of people here so it should be fun.”
The fun for the neighborhood will include overstuffed Maine lobster rolls, garlic-steamed middle neck clams, chicken fingers, cracked conch — and wine and beer to wash it all down.
The duo first partnered up 4 and 1/2 years ago and own the clam shacks in Wantagh and Northport. Jeff Gagnon, the “J” in D.J.’s, opened his first restaurant with Doug Bell in Key West, Florida, in 2009.
This D.J.’s will be a slight departure from the other Long Island locations, Riggiao said, as the forthcoming restaurant will not feature a full-scale dining room.
“It’s gonna be quick service and same exact menu as the other DJ’s on Long Island,” he said. “It’s gonna be a little more takeout.”
The owner said there will be seating for about 16 patrons at the counter with three or four picnic tables outside.
Riggiao, a self-described hands-on owner who frequently works at his other locations handling day-to-day operations, said he is still looking to hire cooks and front-of-the-house staff.
“Hopefully the university will bring some staff,” Riggiao said. “But of course, hiring right now is very tricky.”
Top: Lobster Roll from D.J.’s Clam Shack Wantagh photo gallery
