North Fork Roadhouse Owners On Controversy After Trump Parade

MATTITUCK, NY — A popular North Fork establishment has spoken out after a controversy owners said arose from the "MAGA-Gras" Trump parade Sunday.

The parade, which kicked off in East Northport and headed through Riverhead and the North Fork, included thousands of drivers and bystanders out in support, as well as a group of protesters in Greenport.

After the event, owners of the North Fork Roadhouse, located in Mattituck, spoke out on Facebook.

"Yesterday, our business became embroiled in a political controversy," owners said. "Our business was approached to allow some of the people that had participated in a car and truck parade showing support for Donald Trump in the upcoming election, and to welcome them to enjoy food and beverages. This is a sticky situation because no business should mix politics, religion or business."

The business, located at 9095 Sound Avenue in Mattituck, was launched by three owners, Jon Troyan and Keith and Brian Lewin, all of Aquebogue, in April, despite the challenges of the pandemic.

Prior to the event, owners said they had a conversation with event organizer Shawn Farash.

"We were concerned that it would appear we were getting involved in politics and endorsing one candidate for president versus another," the owners said in their statement online. "Since we wished to remain neutral and welcome all sides of the political spectrum and members of both political parties, we asked the organizers of this event to keep 'political displays' low-key by removing Trump flags from vehicles in our parking lot to remove the appearance of an official endorsement or political position —and the organizers agreed to these terms."

Some who participated in the event weren’t informed of the request and "didn’t get the memo" from the event organizers, the statement read.

"Those people were rightly confused and perhaps angered, feeling that their right to express support for their candidate was being suppressed and that they were being discriminated against when our business asked for compliance with this agreement. For that anger, we feel horrible as it was never our intention to silence anyone’s speech," owners said.

The owners of the business apologized to anyone who was "confused, hurt or offended . . . Our bar and restaurant was at capacity all day; patrons had a great time and followed the strict guidelines of the New York State Liquor Authority and health department mandates."

There were patrons wearing political clothing and hats "and not one person was refused service," owners said. However, they added, the situation could have been handled differently.

Owners added they regretted the "unfortunate" incident and would work to address such issues "in a more diplomatic fashion."

The restaurant displays military, veteran, firefighter and police memorabilia, owners said.

"The North Fork Roadhouse always has and always will do everything possible to make everyone feel comfortable at our establishment. We apologize to anyone who felt slighted or hurt by our actions," owners said, adding that all were welcomed back. "Thank you to our local community for your continued support. We love the North Fork and our beautiful country."

Farash, meanwhile, spoke out in support of the North Fork Roadhouse.

"I met the owner personally on Sunday night and told him that I understood his position and respected his right to make any decision that he wants to make regarding his business," Farash said. "For those who feel that his requests are unreasonable, it is then their right to take their business elsewhere — and that should be that. No reason to trash anyone's reputation or take shots. I certainly wouldn't do that."

He added: "I don't like cancel culture, so I enjoyed my time at North Fork Roadhouse when I was there and I look forward to going back in the future."

Added the North Fork Roadhouse owners, "Please know everyone is welcome at our establishment."