Peconic Bay Diner, a popular fixture at 871 Old Country Road in Riverhead for over 30 years, announced recently that they would be closing their doors for business permanently.
The diner's owners - Chrissy Stavropoulos and her two daughters, Eleni and Chloe - made the unfortunate declaration via a post on their official Facebook page on September 30, saying that effective immediately they would be shutting down.
"As of today, Saturday September 30 will be our last day. It is with heavy hearts we have made the most difficult decision to permanently close The Peconic Bay Diner," the post read. "There are multiple factors involved such as the astronomical costs of goods, staffing challenges and uncertain times."
One of the driving factors behind their decision to end Peconic Bay Diner's run was due to the 2022 passing of Angelo Stavropoulos - the establishment's co-founder and Chrissy's husband - at the age of 68 in a tragic single-vehicle accident.
However, the owners noted that despite their choice to end their run with Peconic Bay Diner, new owners may be incoming, although no additional details were given at this time.
"Our family, as you all know, has been dealing with the loss of our father and have had a difficult time along the way," the Facebook post said. "At this time we have decided to walk away from the business and allow new owners to come in and serve the community."
The Stavropoulos family bid their valued customers and the Riverhead community a fond farewell and thanked them for their over three decades of loyal patronage.
"We can't thank you, our valued customers & our dedicated staff, enough for the wonderful journey the last 32 years have given us," they said. "We have been honored to be your everyday diner."