A brand-new 19th hole is slated for Indian Island Country Club in Riverhead.
Village Idiot Pub, which already counts three Suffolk locations, has taken over the former Kenny’s on the Green space at the waterfront course and has started renovations.
The plan is for full-service, year-round restaurant and pub for not just golfers, but locals and East End visitors alike. And, to be open by Memorial Day.
John Sarno, founder of Silver Lining Restaurant Group, which operates the Village Idiot locations in Patchogue, Oakdale, Lake Grove, and three other restaurants, is also a Mercy High grad with connections to the area. (Mercy High School closed in Riverhead in 2018.)
“My friends have been begging me for years to open up a place on the East End,” Sarno said. “And what could be better than Indian Island? We’re right at the mouth of the Peconic, Sound Avenue and all its attractions are less than five minutes away, and Southampton is just over the bridge.”
He’ll be joined on the project with co-owner Tim Kelly and consultant Mike Krohn. The company has signed a three-year lease with the county.
Related: Village Idiot Pub to open at the OTB Racing Forum in Hauppauge
If you’re curious about the menu, Sarno says “it’ll be a cut and paste” of the other VIP restaurants, as the Village Idiot Pub locations are commonly known.
“It’s just another great opportunity that dropped right in our lap,” Sarno said. “With so much potential for outdoor dining, live music, catering, with enough room outside for tents and some high-volume functions. There’s nothing out here that’s really comparable.
“All with great views of Peconic Bay.”
Check back with Greater Long Island for updates.
— Nick Esposito photo
