Steve Squitiro and Andrew Affa had a big decision to make.
Taking over the popular Primehouse in the heart of Garden City was a no-brainer for the restaurateurs. Owner and chef Art Gustafson had built something special at 910 Franklin Avenue — and the community knew it.
“He ran a well-oiled operation for six years,” Affa said of Gustafson.
Their real decision was this:
Would the partners — who became friends in the catering world before launching The Piermont in Babylon in 2018 — shape their Nassau venture in the image of Arlo Kitchen & Bar in Northport, or follow the direction of The James, which opened in May of 2024 in the former Carriage House space in Babylon Village?
They chose The James. They expect to open by mid- to late-spring of 2026.
Weighing their options
If you can believe it, the two originally envisioned casual dining for what became Arlo Kitchen & Bar, tucked into a wooded hilltop off Fort Salonga Road in Northport.
But as construction progressed, the space told them otherwise. They elevated the concept. What emerged — in look, feel, and food — was a fine-dining experience to rival any in the Northeast. (Never been? Just look at the photos.)
It proved to be the right call. At first, they weren’t sure they’d even fill their 60-space lot.
Soon enough, they had to expand parking to 200.
“Part of the charm of Arlo is the physical space itself — the property, the opportunity it provides, the way it’s laid out, the ceiling heights, and all the different elements that elevate the whole experience,” Squitiro said.
“Then add great service and great food, and it’s a home run.”
That elegance helped inspire their decision to go all-out with The James in Babylon.
As Affa put it, “We wanted to bring that retro-fine dining vibe to the South Shore.” And if you thought the old Carriage House was nice, here’s another photo gallery.
The James, which the partners describe as a modern American brasserie, draws on French influences throughout its menu, design, and décor.
Dining at both Arlo and The James is anchored by a prime dry-aged steak program.
“We’re not identified as a steakhouse, but we’ll put our steaks against anybody else’s out there in the market,” Squitiro said.
Both restaurants have flair. But the partners agreed there’s something about Arlo — its structure, setting and atmosphere — that would be nearly impossible to recreate on Long Island. Maybe in New England or the Adirondacks.
“It’s so unique that we decided to leave Arlo alone,” Squitiro said.
So The James it was.
How Garden City happened
Squitiro was traveling with family when Affa got a phone call: a landmark Garden City restaurant was becoming available, with the right ownership fit.
“As soon as Steve came back, I let him rest for about 12 hours before telling him we have an opportunity,” Affa said.
It took them less than a week to say yes. They closed on the deal in November and have been operating Primehouse since, keeping its chef and staff in place.
The plan is to shut the doors in early January and begin the transformation.
Diners can expect the same menu, look, and feel as The James in Babylon, they said.
“The building was constructed just over six years ago,” Squitiro said. “We’re going to move some things around, but we already have a great layout there with great elements already in place. We’re confident we can turn this around in just three or four months.”
“There’s definitely going to be a lot of crossover [from The James in Babylon] with similar touches,” Affa added. “But there will be some unique elements” for Garden City. “It will stand alone in its own right.”
Check back with Greater Long Island for updates, including a sneak peek at the new James Garden City.
