Golden Dolphin Reopens For Business

The Golden Dolphin reopened to diners for the first time since it was seized by the state over unpaid taxes on July 26. Long Islander News photo/Connor Beach

By Connor Beach
cbeach@longislandergroup.com

The Golden Dolphin swims again.

The iconic Main Street diner in Huntington Village officially reopened to customers on Tuesday for the first time since closing July 26.

The state Department of Taxation and Finance seized the business over unpaid taxes. New owners Spiros Dimas and Peter Tsadilas stepped in to pay off the debt and reopen the business under the same name.

Dimas and Tsadilas acquired the restaurant about a month ago, according to Buffy Dimas, who was managing the restaurant when it reopened Tuesday. Buffy Dimas, of Plainview, originally from Greece, said she was familiar with the success of the Golden Dolphin and is hoping to continue its legacy.

“We are very excited; today is our first day open,” she said Tuesday, adding that there was excitement in the air over the relaunch.

The renewed diner looks almost identical to the Golden Dolphin before it was closed. Dimas said she intends to keep a very similar menu and similar décor. In addition, Dimas said the new ownership has decided to keep many staff members who worked at the diner before it was seized.

Dimas said that reopening the restaurant is an ongoing process, and she does not want to do too much too fast.

“I do not want to rush things yet, we still have a few minor changes to make and some food to bring in,” Dimas said.

The Golden Dolphin will operate under modified hours, 7 a.m- 11 p.m., seven days a week, according to Dimas.