Commack Breakfast Leaves Nobody Hungry

Peter Fedden was shocked when Patch told him Adam Gertler, the local chef with his own TV show on the Food Network, loved the Hungry Man special. He was even more surprised that Gertler had his show – Fedden knew Gertler in high school.

"That's him! I can't believe it; we went to school together. Of course I remember him," Fedden said.

Fedden and Gertler both have history with Fedden's restaurant, Commack Breakfast and Lunch Too, which he purchased in 2005. The Hungry Man special – three eggs, bacon, ham and home fries on a hero – is still a local favorite, Fedden said.

Fedden began working at the breakfast spot when he was 16 years old. He continued working at the shop throughout college and when he decided he didn't want to go to law school, he decide to buy the shop from the previous owner.

Students are still a main part of their patrons, but it used to be more before the high school closed the campus for lunch.

"We still get a lot of kids in the morning, and a big commuter crowd," Fedden said.

Business is still strong, despite the recession, Fedden said this is because of the low prices and family feel of the restaurant. His location may be part of it, but he would never move it – he'd rather "close the doors," he said.

As a lifelong Commack resident, Fedden has a different relationship with his patrons and many traditions in the shop.

One of those traditions is the St. Baldrick's fundraiser. Fedden grows his hair every year and then shaves it in March, after dyeing it green for a week to pay homage to the St. Baldrick's icon – a leprechaun. He also puts a can in the shop, into which his regulars put change all year-long. Their superbowl party pools go completely to charity as well.