Longtime Owners Of LI's Iconic Whiskey Wind Bid Adieu: 'A Huge Family'

GREENPORT, NY — It's the end of a beloved era and the start of a new chapter for an iconic Greenport destination: The Whiskey Wind Tavern, located on Front Street, has changed hands.

For longtime owners Jim and Chris Kuhlmann, the journey is one that has shaped their lifetimes.

The Kuhlmanns told Patch that they purchased what was then Meyers Bar and Grill in May 1994 and ran it as Meyers until their liquor license came in, which is when they changed the name to the Whiskey Wind.

"We’ve been there for over 29 years," Chris said.

When asked what prompted the decision to sell, they told Patch: "We are tired and don’t have the stamina for it anymore. We think we did a good job, but it really needs young blood to keep up with the times and to continue for it to be vibrant and lively. "

While the Kuhlmanns declined to name the new owners, in October, the Suffolk Times reported that two of the tavern's new proprietors, Paul Monahan and Mike Rose, said that they planned to keep well-loved traditions the same at the village gathering spot.

"Yes, they are keeping the name," the Kuhlmanns told Patch.

Both Jim and Chris said the experience has been deeply meaningful. "Working for ourselves, building the business up and creating something vibrant, fun and profitable as well as being the drivers of our own success story has been very meaningful and fulfilling for both of us," they said.

The memories, they said, will last forever.

"We love our customers and our employees. We loved working with some of the best bartenders on the North Fork over the years. We will be forever grateful to those who helped us along the way and will miss our regulars. There are so many wonderful, memories," Chris said. "I could write a book about the things that happened in there, from the guy who kneeled and proposed to his future bride, on an incredibly busy Saturday night, to the pranks we played on each other and our neighbors."

She added: "Having been present during the many milestones of our community members made us feel like we were a part of their lives. It was like being part of a huge family, sharing theirgood and bad times as we celebrated or suffered with them."

Looking ahead, Chris described their shared dreams: "Jim will be busy with his projects and doing side jobs with his trencher for local electricians and plumbers. That man cannot sit still for a moment. I will continue to work as an RN at Stony Brook Eastern Long Island Hospital until I reach retirement age. We are planning a couple of 'bucket list' trips in the near future."

Patrons who have made years of memories shared their thoughts on social media and with Patch. "I wanted to express how much you and your bar have meant to me," said Emily Kessler. "Ever since I was an itty bitty young adult, you have taken care of me and given me a place of safety. I knew 100 percent, I was safe and protected when I was at the Whiskey Wind and that nothing bad would happen to me there. This is a rare, wonderful thing — for a young woman to feel heard, trusted and protected without question. I also always appreciated you going out of your way to support me, be a true friend, get me home when needed, and talk through all of life's ups and downs along the way."

She added: "The Wind has been a part of so many of my birthdays, my wedding, as well as many other good times and bad times. My experiences at Whiskey Wind have truly been my favorite and best memories of my life. You created something so special. Thank you."

And, Kessler said: "I'm so happy for Jimmy and Chris and their sale/retirement, but I will miss them terribly. Congrats to the new owners and hopefully a bright future with this historic gem of a place."

To the many longtime friends and customers, Chris and Jim send a message of love: "Jim and I would like you all to live your best lives and to do your best to be healthy, productive and content," she said. "Happiness is fleeting, so please be good to yourselves and to those around you, as you don’t know what burdens they carry. Kindness is contagious."