State: Golden Dolphin Seized Due To $163K Tax Bill

The Golden Dolphin diner in Huntington village has been seized by the state over $163,528 in unpaid withholding and sales taxes, a state tax department spokesman said. Long Islander News photo/Paul Shapiro

Golden Dolphin diner in Huntington village was seized by the state Wednesday over $163,528 in unpaid witholding and sales taxes, according to a spokesman for the state Department of Taxation and Finance.

Bright orange signs with “Seized” printed in on them appeared on the front windows of the iconic village diner at 365 W Main St. around 1 p.m.

NYSDTF spokesman Cary Ziter confirmed Thursday that the diner was seized for “failure to pay the state the appropriate amount of tax.” He added that three warrants exist against diner operator Limnaria Corporation, one for failure to pay withholding tax, and a pair “related to sales tax debt.”

“The total outstanding balance is $163,528, for filing periods from 2015 to 2017,” Ziter said in an emailed statement.

Customers seen leaving the diner around yesterday afternoon said they had just eaten there. An apparent employee then closed the diner’s doors and said it would be closed for the rest of the day.

Longtime owner Teddy Kalligeros could not be immediately reached for comment.

The Golden Dolphin closed for renovations in April 2015, and reopened with more seats and a new look later that year. The diner has operated since 1983.

Outside the diner Wednesday evening, a woman promoting Skorpios Restaurant was seen handing out 10-percent discount coupons to those passing by on Main Street.

- ANDREW WROBLEWSKI