After Nearly Three Decades In Sag Harbor, La Superica Restaurant To Close

For some, it’s a perfect margarita. Others, the shrimp enchilada suiza, or the nachos. The regulars who have frequented La Superica, the popular Mexican restaurant that has overlooked the bridge in Sag Harbor for nearly 30 years, always have their favorite menu or bar items that they can’t wait to dive into when the restaurant re-opens every spring after its months-long winter break. Typically, that break would be over in less than two weeks.

Now, that break is permanent.

Owner Ken O’Donnell confirmed on Wednesday that he would not re-open the restaurant, because he was unable to reach a deal on a new lease with Double Star, Inc, the company that owns the building. Mr. O’Donnell said that after a five-year lease expired last year, he hired Judge Edward T. Burke in October to begin a negotiation for a new lease with Double Star Inc., but said the company was evasive for months, and never committed to striking a new deal.

La Superica opened in 1991, and was owned by Jeff Resnick until 1997, when Mr. O’Donnell and his family took over the lease and the business. Mr. O’Donnell, 49, graduated from Southampton High School and began working as a bartender at the restaurant in 1995.

Mr. O’Donnell expressed disappointment with the way the situation played out, saying he had intended to stay in business, but couldn’t commit to hiring and retaining employees when he did not receive any answers about his lease throughout the months he was closed for the winter season.

“After 20 years of being an upstanding tenant, I can’t say that I’m not disappointed,” he said. “I think Double Star’s lack of consideration has been reckless, at best.”

Patrons of the popular restaurant and bar will certainly be sad that they won’t get to eat their favorite food or enjoy their favorite drink one more time, and Mr. O’Donnell said that had he known he would have to close, he would have held a closing party at the end of last season.

“I’m extremely grateful for the 21 seasons of support from everybody in the greater Sag Harbor area,” he said. “I’ve made friendships I never would have had, and I met my wife here, had two kids, and my sister met her husband at the restaurant. It’s been a great run, and I’m extremely grateful for the support over the years.”