Local Business Spotlight: Southampton Publick House

This Patch article is sponsored by Southampton Publick House.

Local businesses are the heart of our communities. Patch had a chance to talk with Donald Sullivan, Proprietor, of Southampton Publick House.

Patch: Tell us a bit about your business:
Donald Sullivan: Southampton Publick House is a casual American Restaurant featuring Lunch, Dinner and Weekend Brunch. We're open 7 days per week and are open all year. We offer Outside Patio Dining in the warmer months of the year, along with an outside bar. The Publick House strives to provide excellent service & great food at a reasonable price.

Patch: How long have you been doing business in town?
Donald Sullivan: We opened in 1996 and thus will be celebrating our 30th Anniversary this May.

Patch: What attracted you to the line of work you’re in, and how did you get started?
Donald Sullivan: I I have been in the restaurant hospitality business my entire life, starting as a dishwasher at 16 years old. I've always enjoyed the energy and people-oriented nature of the business.

Patch: What's the most common piece of advice you give to customers?
Donald Sullivan: I often suggest to people to judge any restaurant on whether they enjoyed themselves and whether the collective experience was worth what they paid for. And lastly, did it meet or exceed your expectations. It's never all about the food or the service. Decor, ambience, friendliness, accessibility, cleanliness, music, lighting all come into play to influence how a guest feels about a place. That's the advice I give to friends and guests. To me, it allows for a more openminded assessment of a place, no matter if it's a very high-end restaurant or a local modest breakfast place.

Patch: What’s the most satisfying part of your job?
Donald Sullivan: Seeing people enjoying themselves in a relaxed friendly atmosphere that we (our management and staff) work to maintain and improve upon each and every day.

Patch: How would you say your business distinguishes itself from the others?
Donald Sullivan: I believe our point of difference is that we are consistent in our presentation of product, pricing and atmosphere no matter if it's July or February. And we don't stray from our mission of providing a welcoming and warm environment to all people, and that each and every customer receives a friendly greeting and a warm Thank You for their business at the time of their departure.