Estia's Little Kitchen Closes In Sag Harbor: 'I'm Proud Of Every Day We Served The Community'

SAG HARBOR, NY — A beloved staple on the East End's culinary landscape closed suddenly on Sunday, leaving scores of diners heartbroken.

A post on Estia's Little Kitchen's Facebook page by owner Colin Ambrose read: "After 27 years on the Turnpike, we will be closing our doors on Sunday, April 19 at 2 p.m. for the last time. . . We’re honored to have shared and served this town for all these years. The memories made at the counter and in the garden will last a lifetime. Our hearts are full of gratitude as we say goodbye and look ahead to time with grandkids and open waters. Keep smiling, Colin Ambrose."

Many of those who've crowded into the eatery for decades years to enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner expressed sadness at the news.

"Tremendous loss to the community," Lisa Tamburini wrote. "Wishing you all the best!"

Chimene Visser Macnaughton added: "Congratulations, Chef! Some of my fondest food memories of 2 decades in the hammy Hamps were in those rooms on the turnpike! Enjoy all that comes after."

"An institution that will be missed!" Peter Cook wrote.

Heidi Rain Oleszczuk also reflected: "We will miss you. You are the best — you and your beautiful staff. Many blessings to each of you in your next endeavors."

Speaking with Patch Monday, Ambrose explained his reason for shuttering. " I’m tired and want to retire," he said, adding that there had been no buyers for the business.

Ambrose said he purchased the property in November, 1998 and opened in February, 1999.

Over the years, Estia's became so much more than a favorite dining destination — the eatery was a true community partner. Ambrose said he ran charity events for the Sag Harbor Cinema; the Bridgehampton Child Care & Recreation Center "down the street" on the Bridgehampton-Sag Harbor Turnpike; the American Saltwater Guides Association; Hamptons Community Outreach and many more.

"I love the people, all of them," Ambrose said. "Especially the ones who are eating, the hangry ones at the door on busy days will continue to haunt me. The garden was my sanctuary and entertaining in that garden gave me my greatest pleasure."

He added: "People got married in our garden, had bridal showers and graduation parties. The Estia staff did a wonderful job year round. I’m proud of every day we served the community — especially those slow winter days when most of our competitors were closed."

The community has also rallied around the employees at Estia's after the closure: A GoFundMe created to help the team had raised more than $22,000 as of Monday night.