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[Editor’s note: The below article was published in 2019. If you found this story via Google, contact Salt Shack or follow them on social media for updated information in light of 2020 coronavirus containment measures.]
The operators of Overlook and Cedar beaches’ Salt Shack Seaside Grill are on a mission to bring great times to beaches across Long Island.
To do so, the ownership group dubbed “Island Time Hospitality,” which combines the owners of Dublin Deck in Patchogue with the owners of The Tap Room and Bango Bowls, took over two restaurants at Tobay Beach earlier this year.
Back in April, the Town of Oyster Bay awarded the team two bayside restaurants, formerly known as Mango Bay and Crazy Oyster.
In what the owners described as a “mad dash,” Island Time was able to open this summer after seven weeks of heavy renovations.
“We came in here and changed the look and feel of each place,” said co-owner Jayme Bonnano.
The Mango Bay, which was a Mexican restaurant, was transformed into a casual eat-as-you-go eatery called The Boat Yard Waterfront Bar and Grill.
The Boat Yard was inspired by an Australian establishment Bonnano frequented when he was on vacation last year. There, it is a kiosk-style restaurant with several options to eat, including a raw bar, gourmet pizza stand, and a taco stand. It is a sit where you want location, too.
Also, on premise, a 10,000-square-foot patio was added where a mini-golf course used to be to make room for a stage and sit-down bar.
The views are something to marvel at, says Bonnano.
“It is one of the most incredible sunsets you’ll ever see,” he told GreaterBabylon. “On a clear day, you can sometimes see Manhattan’s skyline.”
At the other location right next door, where Crazy Oyster was, sits an all-new outdoor, full-service dining experience called Surf Shack. In addition to the dining tables, there is a large tiki hut centered in the middle of the eating area.
“It feels like your resort living, but you’re actually an hour or so away from home,” said Bonnano.
To keep with the vacation-feel, Surf Shack encourages rocking flip flops and bathing suits.
“We want people to feel comfortable,” said Bonnano “Have lunch, have dinner. If you’re a little sandy, that’s still fine.”
Other than the food, both locations provide live musical entertainment.
Since opening, Island Time Hospitality has received some great compliments.
“A lot of people said ‘Thank you, this is what our beach needed,” said Bonnano.
Scroll down to see photos from both restaurants.
free parking for patrons
The Town of Oyster Bay awarded Island Time Hospitality 150 parking spaces allowing free parking for restaurantgoers all day. After 5 p.m., the entire lot opens for free parking.
Note: For free parking, patrons must go to either of the two restaurants and not the ocean beach or splash park.
The Boat Yard
Surf Shack
Top: Two of The Boat Yard and Surf Shack owners Scott Campbell (left) and James Bonnano (right).
