New Owner For Spot Of Beloved North Fork Eatery, Gathering Place

NORTH FORK, NY — A new owner is moving in to the space where a popular Southold eatery just closed its doors: Stephen Ammirati of The Catered Fork is the new owner of the former Erik's on Route 48.

"We told you we had big plans for 2023!" Ammirati wrote on Facebook. "We are now the proud owners of the beloved community establishment Erik’s in Southold. We can’t wait to share all of the plans we have for this amazing space."

The Catered Fork is a full-service catering company specializing in weddings and special events on the North Fork and beyond, Ammirati said. The business also features two food trucks, including The Catered Fork food truck seen at the Jamesport Farm Brewery and their other food truck @eatduckyeah!

"We plan to bring the quality food and amazing service we are known for to our new location in Southold," Ammirati said. "More to come on that soon. Thanks for all the well wishes and following along on this journey with us."

In December, a message to customers on their website told customers who have made Erik's, located on Route 48, part of their lives since 2006: "Erik's is closed until further notice."

The message, written by the family who owns Erik's — Erik, Elizabeth, and Dylan Brown — began with the words, "We will miss you!"

The letter was written to "our friends in Southold," and said: "It has been an honor and a pleasure to be a part of the fabric of Southold, serving up your morning coffee since 2006."

Owners added: "Erik's found a niche that welcomed everything that is great about Southold — local residents, contractors, retirees, growing families, and weekend tourists. We served with hospitality in our hearts and an honest intention to listen to what the community wanted and needed out of a 'coffee shop and lunch spot' on the North Road at the corner at Hortons Lane."

The Brown family thanked the community for sharing their lives.

"We've watched your children grow up, we know many of you by name, and can usually guess what you'll order for breakfast," they said. "We enjoyed being the coffee break for contractors and the destination spot on the way to the ferry or between farm stands and the vineyards. "

What's next? "Honestly, we don't know for sure. For now, it's time for a much-needed vacation. Time for family, time for health, time for long naps. Shall we say: Gone fishing. Our life, our love, our home, and our dear friends are here in Southold. See ya' at IGA!"