Citarella Readying To Open Doors In Westhampton Beach

WESTHAMPTON, NY — After years of anticipation, Westhampton Beach residents will soon welcome a Citarella Gourmet Market.

Citarella recently shared news of a hiring event with Patch.

"Join the Citarella family at our new Westhampton location," the post read. "The ultimate Gourmet Market is getting ready to expand in the Hamptons — and all positions are open at their upcoming Westhampton market."

"Citarella — a gourmet market renowned for pristine seafood, chef-prepared specialties, and exceptional meats — is officially debuting their fourth East End store later this year. As they gear up for their grand opening, they’re also looking to build a strong, dedicated team to lead the way. All positions are open, ranging from department staff like pastry counter associates to store management. And they’ll be hosting several hiring events over the next few weeks to start filling those roles," the post said.

"If you have a passion for food — the best quality, the best ingredients, and the best taste — this is an invaluable opportunity to build a career and work with culinary experts," Citarella said.

Back in 2023, then-Westhampton Beach Village Mayor Maria Moore — Moore is now Southampton Town Supervisor — confirmed that Citarella, which has locations in East Hampton, Bridgehampton, and Southampton, as well as in New York City and Connecticut, was planning to open where The Claddagh was located at 141 Montauk Highway, before closing in August, 2022.

Citarella, owned by Joe Gurrera, signed a lease with the property owner, Moore said at the time.

"We are looking forward to having Citarella in Westhampton Beach," Moore said when the news first broke.

According to the Citarella website, the business was founded by Mike Citarella on the Upper West Side in 1912. Gurerra, who was originally a "fishmonger" and established at the Fulton Street Fish Market, later purchased Citarella in 1985.

The Water Mill location opened in 2000 and operated for 10 years before a larger space in Bridgehampton became available. The East Hampton location opened its doors in 2002 and in 2014, the Southampton spot was unveiled.

"A family-run business, we’re driven by a passion for great food," the site said. "Each of our local specialty markets offers hand-selected ingredients and chef-prepared dishes designed to make every meal a memorable one — with the most incredible variety of fresh seafood; prime dry aged meats; fresh produce; chef-prepared foods and pastries; artisanal cheeses; cured meats; smoked fish; a line of private label products ranging from imported olive oil to Osetra caviar; and more."

Meanwhile, The Claddagh's owners Tom and Meegan Dollard posted on Facebook when the business closed in 2022: "As they say, all good things must come to an end."

Citarella will host hiring events at 141 Montauk Highway in Westhampton Beach from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on:

• February 5
• February 14
• February 26
• February 28
• March 7
• March 12
• March 14
• March 19
• March 21
• March 26
• March 28

Citarella, representatives said, is "a Hamptons legacy. Citarella has been a proud member of Long Island’s East End community for over 25 years, with established locations in East Hampton, Bridgehampton, and Southampton. We’re excited to grow with our Westhampton market — and continue to support the local fishermen, farmers, florists, and other businesses that make this place so special. We also look forward to working with our partner of five years, the East End Fund for Children (EEFC), on creating a brighter future for local kids and their families."

And, representatives said: "The Hamptons are our home, and we’re so grateful to be welcomed into another neighborhood this year. See you soon, Westhampton."