HAMPTON BAYS, NY — The space echoed on Wednesday, empty for the first time in decades: The iconic Hampton Bays Diner, which closed in 2015 after decades of ownership by the Vlahadamis family, was demolished on Tuesday.
Social media was abuzz Tuesday as residents shared photos and videos of the diner being torn down. And then, photos of the empty space where generations of diners shared platters of disco fries, burgers, omelettes, and so many years of memories.
For years, one person wrote on Facebook, directions for those heading to the Hamptons were told to "make a left at the diner. What now?"
"Good times remembered there. Sorry to see it go. You always knew you were entering Hampton Bays from the Sunrise when you saw that diner," another wrote on Facebook.
From late night onion rings after days spent at Neptune Beach Club or the Boardy Barn to crowds of kids flocking in for post-soccer and baseball game snacks, the diner figured prominently in people's memories of the Hamptons.
Some, however, said they were happy to see what they deemed a blighted building gone. But for others, it was the end of an era.
Southampton Town Assistant Planning Director Clare Shea told Patch that two office buildings are slated for the site. One is a medical building, with Zwanger Pesiri reported to be occupying the space. The second can be used for either one, or multiple, businesses, Shea said.
Patch wants to hear your memories of the Hampton Bays Diner. Share them in the comments or email them to Lisa.Finn@patch.com for an upcoming story.
Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
Westhampton, NY Patch
Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.