Little Creek Oysters' Owner Unveils 'Sunshine Shack' At Orient Beach

NORTH FORK, NY — There's a new business opening at Orient Beach State Park where patrons can soak up the ephemeral magic of summer.

Ian Wile, owner of Little Creek Oysters in Greenport, announced on social media this week that he and partner Travis Zurawski have been awarded the concession at Orient Beach State Park, located at 40000 Main Road in Orient, "in a whirlwind of a week."

And so, Wile said, he and his wife Rosalie Rung, along with Zurawski and his wife Emily — were announcing the birth of their "Sunshine Shack" at Orient Beach. "We are moving super fast and will be adding things as approvals land."

A soft opening takes place Saturday, beginning at 10 a.m., he said.

Wile said Sunshine Shack will be managed by Zurawski. "This is something he and his wife Emily are eager to be a part of, from the ground up," he said.

Both families are longtime locals and share a love of the community. "We are proud to embark on this together," he said.

Wile has won legions of devotees since embarking upon Little Creek Oysters.

And he and Zurawski are bringing that same vision and love for the North Fork to Little Creek's Sunshine Shack. "We are taking over the little concession shack — and you know we love shacks!— at Orient Beach!" he wrote. "Our hope and plan? Let's enjoy the simplicity of a timeless camp store. Let's bring in some special, locally made goods."

Local businesses will be represented, including Greenport's Dos Ositos handmade ice pops, he said.

"Some books selected for your beaching pleasure Burton's Books," Wile said. "Snacks, cold drinks, ice and icy things. Sunscreen and all the other stuff you forgot to bring. Bait, and tackle, too. But what about the food?"

The fare on tap will be a selection of local delights, Wile said. "Something we think is special. We will be packaging up our ceviches, smoked fish, meats, cheeses, in-shell oysters and clams and other popular retail products so you can build a quality picnic on the fly," Wile said. "New partner products inbound from the people you already love."

And no worries about loading up the car with items to cart to the beach — it'll all be there, waiting, Wile said. "Did you know there are tons of amazing BBQ grills set among scrub pines? How about some full picnic kits with everything you need? Come empty-handed. Custom preordered picnic kits are coming ASAP," he said. "As we work through more approvals, we hope to add more that we can make on-site, but let's not waste another beautiful day. This place is going to change every day. What do you want on the shelves? This is our beach. Your beach. The people's beach. Let's celebrate everything."

Wile explained the essence of his vision. "The basic feeling is that with everything and everyplace getting further out of reach, there must be room for a simple camp store. A place a kid can take a couple of sandy quarters and find something. Or a special snack. Or a treasure map."

The shop will also offer plenty of "best-summer-ever candy and chip snacks. Fishing tackle and bait. Or whatever else you forgot to bring," he said.

Picnic supplies, stickers, and souvenirs will also line the shelves.

Treats from The Market in Greenport will include a "famous" chicken salad, feta pockets, and breakfast egg cups, all grab-and-go, because the focus is on savoring every moment of the sunshine, Wile said.

Speaking with Patch, Wile said soon, items will be available to check out for the day, including seine nets for wading.

A full schedule will be announced Monday. Wile recommends purchasing a New York State Empire pass; for $80 per year, it allows for unlimited for any state park, year-round.

Describing his whirlwind week, Wile said. "We got the keys on Monday and will be open six days later. This happens with a remarkable team, special support from the park and incredible people in small businesses in Greenport. There is no supply chain when actual people are the supply chain. We have a great start at stocking the shelves and I'm proud to know the first names and faces of the people who brought the best stuff. No way this happens without local purveyors and support."

He added: "We want this to be a reflection of this special place and the people here. And it's just starting."