Rising from the ashes—literally—Whalehouse Point Restaurant and Bar on Fire Island has been resurrected after afire destroyed the buildingback in September 2019. “Reconstruction has been an uphill battle,” said John Tafe, director of operations, as the establishment is situated on federal land on Fire Island’s National Seashore.
“This is a National Park, and it took a lot of effort from a lot of different people to get this happening,” admits Tafe. “The winter we had was especially brutal, and we had to make sure the contractors were able to continue. Our bay was frozen solid, and we weren’t able to get boats over for quite a while. We discussed the issue with the Parks Department, and we made sure they could ride the beach from Smith’s Point so they could continue to do work with their trucks.”
Doug and Lee Biviano, co-managers and concessioners who operate other area marinas, restaurants, and campsites, are thrilled with the outcome and looking forward to the unveiling.
“We are super excited,” said Doug Biviano. “The place is breathtaking—better than I ever expected. It’s going to be a treasure for many years to come.”
After the fire, the couple decided to forge ahead with a food truck on the property while they planned and built the new restaurant. They served a robust menu of food and drinks, and it became a customer favorite.
“It was a temporary solution that was loved by everyone,” said Lee Biviano.
There will be a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the remodeled Whalehouse Point on May 22, featuring the Suffolk County Police Department, local political officials, and staff, with a soft opening to follow. The grand opening will be on June 20 as they march into the peak season, complete with live music and a full menu.
The reimagined real estate captures the essence of a seaside escape, harnessing spectacular views all around through massive windows perfectly positioned for sunsets and surf. There is a covered deck area for rainy days, making it an ideal summer haven for boaters, campers, and day trippers alike.
The marina boasts 175 slips for docking, dining, and overnight stays, accommodating boats up to 60 feet. For those who like to sleep under the stars, there are bothglampingandcampingsites, with plenty of clean bathrooms on-site as well. Guests can stroll to the beach and the ocean, stop by the general store, or enjoy an ice cream or cold beverage on a hot afternoon.
Food and Beverage Manager William Kruse is eagerly working to elevate the culinary program at the revived establishment.
Source: Fire Island News & Great South Bay News
