New Chapter Unfolds For Site Of Longtime Luncheonette In Westhampton Beach; Possible New Name Revealed

WESTHAMPTON BEACH, NY — The site of the longtime, iconic Eckart's Luncheonette in Westhampton Beach is set to see its next chapter unfold.

It was the end of a long, and beautiful, era in March when the owners of Eckart's Luncheonette, located at 162 Mill Road in Westhampton Beach, announced on social media that they had closed their doors after 115 years.

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"As many of you have heard, we’ve sold," the message said. "It’s been a process that has taken a lot of consideration, heartfelt conversations, and numerous years. But, it is best for our family and we are leaving you in good hands."

And now, familiar faces are ready to take the helm: Chris Pendergast and his wife Johanna of Remsenburg, who have lovingly created the popular Little Gull Cafe at the Speonk Long Island Rail Road Station, have leased the space, which was purchased by former Westhampton Beach Village Trustee Brian Tymann and other investors.

"We are incredibly excited that Little Gull is coming in," Tymann told Patch. "It's going to be a perfect fit for that space. And even though it is sad to see Eckart's come to an end, it's comforting to know that it's going to be operated by such a great establishment and great people. I always say that change is inevitable, but it's how the change is managed that really managed."

Speaking with Patch this week, Pendergast assured that the new location would be just that — the original Little Gull Cafe in Speonk would "absolutely be sticking around."

And, he revealed a possible new name for the iconic Eckart's location: "The name will almost certainly be Galley, like the kitchen on a ship."

Reflecting on plans for the new spot, he said: "We are sticking to the ethos of Little Gull, using as much as we can from local farms. But, the menu will be different," he said. "The restaurants are only a couple miles from each other so it seems a little silly to make the same menu."

Little Gull Cafe, located on North Phillips Avenue, features a mouthwatering menu with favorites including buttermilk biscuits, sourdough pancakes, tuna melts and more.

"Menus will be similar to Little Gull, but a little different," he said. "There will be some familiarity at breakfast and lunch, and a heavier concentration on local seafood during supper."

As for his plans for the iconic Eckart's space, Pendergast said: "It's a priority to keep as much intact as possible. Anyone who has been to Little Gull understands — we are committed to preserving the history of these places. But, certain things have to change," he said.

Structurally, the floor needs work, Pendergast said. "Practically speaking, the bar needs work. I think people will be sad to see the bookshelves go, but that's real estate where tables can live. And a coat of paint is always a good idea."

Shaping the future of the Eckart's space is something that Pendergast holds close to his heart.

"We have a passion for the history of this town and Eckhart's is such a big part of it. I'll be honest when I say that I never dreamed of getting that space — it's been here for over 100 years! So, we feel very lucky to have this opportunity and we hope to keep feeding Westhampton Beach in that same tradition."

He added: "It's a little intimidating to open something new in a space so storied and beloved. But, I think it would be arrogant to come in and try to repeat what has been done in the past. The Eckhart family had been perfecting their craft for decades."

Instead, Pendergast said: "I will make the new restaurant the kind of place I want to go, taking advantage of the local produce and seafood we are so lucky to have."

In terms of a timeline, Pendergast said the goal is to "turn this around as quickly as possible. In a perfect world, we are up and going by Memorial Day, or at the very least early June."

The plan is to be open from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m., he said, "but like everything out here, it depends how successful we are with staffing."

In addition to Eckart's, Pendergast will also be the force behind the food truck at the Silly Lilly Fishing Station in East Moriches this season.

"We are very excited to be taking over the food at Silly Lily," he said. "Stone Creek did a great job these past several years and we hope to continue that tradition of good food in a wonderful spot. We'll be adding our burger, lots of seafood, and a full bar."