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This landmark restaurant with the tall ship facade in Port Jeff has a new captain.
The old Village Way, which closed in 2015 at Chandler Square, is in the process of being transformed into Castaways Steak & Seafood by Silver Lining Restaurant Group.
The plan is to open this winter.
The Suffolk-based restaurant group also owns Drift 82 and Chops Steakhouse in Patchogue. Castaways will be a sort of blend of both, company founder John Sarno told Greater Long Island.
“It’s going to have the same cool, relaxed beach vibe as Drift [82], but we’ll also offer the same high-quality steaks that have made us No. 1 at Chops, along with top-notch seafood,” said Sarno, whose company also operates three Village Idiot pubs in Suffolk County.
Sarno, who grew up in Centerach and frequented Port Jefferson often, sees huge potential.
“It’s still a touristy town with many excellent restaurants,” he said. “We want to complement them, just like we did in Patchogue.”
For Sarno and his team, it was crucial to preserve the iconic boat facade at 106 Main St.
“It looks awesome,” said Sarno. “This building holds so much history.”
Inside the nearly 2,900-square-foot space, the property has been completely gutted for a full comprehensive renovation, which began this summer.
“We have big visions for this place and the future of this town,” said Mario Tucci, another co-owner of Castaways. “This is going to be beautiful.”
The restaurant will accommodate 74 guests inside, with an additional 60 outside. There are also plans to install a fireplace for the colder months in the port town. Check back with greaterlongisland.com for updates. Scroll down for additional information if you’re looking for employment.
Fun fact: Sarno chose the name Castaways after a Zac Brown Band song that he loves.
Interested in working at Castaways?
The Castaways management team will host a hiring event on Nov. 15 and Nov. 16, from 6-9 p.m., on both dates at the VIP Room in at 14 E. Main St., Patchogue. VIP Room is located next to Village Idiot Pub.
Top: Castaways co-owner John Sarno (R) and Mario Tucci (L) at 106 Main St. (Credit: GLI Photo/Nicholas Esposito)
