Sachem Alum Opens Cafe and Surf Shop in Montauk

Anthony Basciano spent last summer as an apprentice under his uncle at Espo’s Surf and Sport in Montauk. It was a quick transition considering he became a retail shop owner himself a year later.

Basciano, 23, a Holtsville native, opened East End Ice Café on Montauk Highway in Montauk and continues to run Espo’s, a deal that came about when his uncle decided to retire.

“He gave me the opportunity to lease the property and do my own thing,” said Basciano, who majored in recreation, parks and tourism management at Pennsylvania State University.

He raised some funds, started a corporation and has built the business. The location offers three separate buildings on the same property, selling everything from surf gear in one shop to breakfast, lunch and ice cream in the other.

“For the longest time I’ve wanted to own my own business,” he said. “I wanted to do a retail store with a lot of clothing, so I guess it worked out. I got to open up my own restaurant and do clothing as well.”

He officially opened Memorial Day weekend and plans on staying open steadily until Labor Day and will most likely keep it operating on the weekends during the winter months.

If you’re in the mood for a bite, you can sit at the quaint establishment and have everything from bagels, muffins or homemade quiche for breakfast to paninis, wraps, sandwiches and salads at lunch. They have hoards of ice cream flavors to choose from if you’re in the mood as well.

Basciano graduated from Sachem East and played lacrosse at Penn State. He only really embraced Montauk last summer for the first time, but plans on becoming part of the culture from now on, surfing, golfing and maintaining a unique business in the heart of town.

“It’s like a village,” he said, referring to his new shop. “We have everything.”

East End Ice Cafe and Espo's are located at 805B Montauk Highway, Montauk, N.Y. You can call 631-668-7873 if you have any questions regarding the business.