Owner Of LI Eatery Announces Plans To Close With 'Dear John' Letter

SOUTHOLD, NY — After nine years years of serving up mouthwatering Vietnamese bahn mi sandwiches, Greek gyros, grilled cheeses and other tempting fare, Wednesday's Table on Main Road in Southold is set to close.

Owner Linh Trieu posted a message on Facebook Wednesday, writing a "Dear John" letter to her loyal customers: "Dear John, I’m writing to let you know that I think we need to go our separate ways for now. It’s been almost 10 years — nine years open — of good food and lots of memories. You warmed up to me slowly but over the years, I kept plying you with good food and you came to love me and I loved you in return, but sometimes all good love stories have to end. It’s not you, it’s me. I hope you understand. I will soon be a distant memory, hopefully a fond one, and I will always remember you," she wrote.

Trieu then announced the sad news, which had customers reacting on social media with disbelief and sadness, some stating that they'd driven long distances for menu items — and also, thanking her for years of wonderful food and memories.

"But, seriously, though— it pains me to announce that as we near the end of our lease, I have made the heartwrenching decision to close Wednesday’s Table," Trieu said. "Lots of factors went into the decision and I just think it’s time to start a new chapter in my life. Thank you to all who have supported me over these years and who have become like family. We still have a little time so I won’t say good-bye just yet. Come in and get your fix before the end of the year. Thank you, thank you, thank you."

Speaking with Patch, Trieu expressed how much the North Fork means, "how special this community is in their support of one another. I am honored to have been a part of this and so thankful people were open to some different types of food."

She added: "I’ve had many people who didn’t know what a banh mi was and once they tried it, they actually loved it. That brings me the greatest joy and fulfillment. Being close to the school, I’ve watched kids become adults, so thinking that they will look back fondly at the place they ate lunch at during high school is another thing that will bring me happiness. The outpouring of love and help and support when there was a need always brought me to my knees — and I will be forever grateful. I have nothing negative to say as this was a wild and amazing ride — but it's time to get on a new ride."

After months of anticipation, Wednesday's Table opened in December, 2013 in the Feather Hill Shopping Center in Southold. The business, owned by sisters Lena Tanzi and Linh Trieu, opened on Dec. 1 of that year.

Linh, Tanzi said at the time had experience in restaurants and fine dining; Trieu lives in Peconic and Tanzi divides her time between Southold and Brooklyn.

Coming from New York, where variety is plentiful, the sisters aimed to bring a diverse menu out to the North Fork, for customers who weren't always looking to sit down to a full meal.

Some of the international choices on the popular menu include a Greek gyro; a Vietnamese Bahn Mi, a roast pork shoulder or lemongrass chicken sandwich topped with vegetables; and a mushroom truffled grilled cheese, served with caramelized onions, fontina cheese and gruyere cheese on sourdough. Another popular selection, Tanzi said, is the eggplant Caprese sandwich. Soups, salads and traditional New York bagels are also on the menu.

"We both grew up in Queens, where we were used to a lot of different foods in a small perimeter. We wanted to bring a sprinkling of that out here," Tanzi said.

According to the Wednesday's table website, the sisters believe food "should come from a kitchen and not a box. This is what we were taught growing up and this is who we are."

The sisters have always focused on healthy, fresh ingredients."Delicious food doesn't have to be pricey and couture. We love to bring simple, satisfying, and delectable foods to our table and yours," the website reads.

In addition, the eatery harkens strong feelings of home for the sisters. The name Wednesday's Table was "a tribute to family, and to our dad in particular. As a new immigrant to the United States in the late 1970s, Dad worked multiple jobs to give his family the best of the 'American Dream'. After working six long days a week, Dad spent Wednesdays, his day off, making each meal special for his six daughters and to give Mom a break from the kitchen. As a result we have fond memories of the tastes, smells, and antics of our Wednesday's table."