Deckers Bar And Grill Brings Casual Dining To Sag Harbor Waterfront

A location facing Sag Harbor Bay that was known for being the site of upscale restaurants is now being transformed into a casual eatery suited for locals.

Entrepreneur Richard Decker, known for taking over and transforming numerous businesses, opened Deckers Bar & Grill on July 1 with live music on the deck.

“Instead of fine dining, it’ll be fun dining,” Mr. Decker remarked.

Formerly Harlow East for two seasons and B. Smith’s for many years before that, the spot was rumored to be taken over by Manhattan-based French bistro Le Bilboquet, but Mr. Decker jumped on the opportunity the minute it was presented.

Investors from Harlow approached Mr. Decker in early June and asked if he was interested in taking over the vacant spot on the Long Wharf, he said. He swiftly agreed to the offer and began the transformation. He said he knew the space and had conversations about owning it for months.

“I don’t think [the space] has ever been fully utilized for what it can be,” he explained. “The local community has a great waterfront view and they should be able to enjoy it with great food.”

In just three weeks, he was able to successfully open a new restaurant.

This is his seventh “takeover and renovation,” as he likes to refer to his projects. He previously owned Taps in North Sea, and two nightclubs. He currently owns Studio 89 in Sag Harbor, where he is a fitness trainer. He has also been a volunteer coach for 10 years at schools throughout the Hamptons.

With strong ties to the community, Mr. Decker emphasized that his new restaurant is meant to serve and represent the local population. The American-style menu offers affordable prices and food primarily bought from local distributors, such as swordfish and shrimp. His full staff of 45 is also composed entirely of people from the area.

Mr. Decker said he believes that the area needed more casual establishments that stray from the usual target audience of wealthy summer visitors.

“Everything out here is high-end and just not practical for the community,” he said.

In light of his “fun dining” theme, the restaurant will have live music every day during Happy Hour from 3 to 7 p.m. and DJs on Tuesday, Friday and Saturday nights. Deckers will serve brunch at noon on Sundays and have Industry Nights on Tuesdays for workers in the area to come out and unwind.