Final Act For Spicy's, Iconic Riverhead BBQ Spot, As Building Gets Demolished Wednesday

RIVERHEAD, NY — Legions of Spicy's Barbecue fans in Riverhead were broken-hearted Wednesday to see the longtime West Main Street eatery demolished.

Spicy's, long known for its mouthwatering barbecued chicken and sides, has been closed since 2022; Dee Muma, who owns the parcel, could not immediately be reached for comment.

The restaurant, which had been a beloved community staple since 1978, had a grand-reopening in 2018 after having been seized a month earlier due to non-payment of taxes.

"Thank you for all the support and positive feedback," Spicy's said on its Facebook page at the time.

The Bellport location, the second spot for Spicy's, did not reopen in 2018.

When news spread that the Riverhead location had been closed in 2018, fans of the barbecued chicken, ribs and collard greens were devastated, taking to social media to share the news — just as they mourned the loss Wednesday.

And, although the eatery did reopen after that closure, the restaurant shut its doors foreer in 2022.

"It's sad," said Jessica Lynn, also said she was worried about a feral cat colony that has long lived near Spicy's. "They have been there since Spicy's was open; it's their only home," she said. "I've been so worried that one might have been in there. They still run in the building for shelter."

Others mourned the delicious fare: "I just need that sauce," one woman wrote.

"Loved that place," another wrote on Facebook.

According to its website while open, Spicy's opened in 1978, dishing up heaping helpings of favorites including fried fish, pulled pork, collard greens, macaroni and cheese and other mouthwatering dishes.

The business had been owned and operated by members of the Stoner family.