Dinner, Drinks And A View?
/New gastropub owner wants rooftop dining
By Jano Tantongco
jtantongco@longislandergroup.com
The owner of a Long Island gastropub chain wants to bring rooftop dining to Huntington.
Roger Bencosme, owner of Brewology, who currently operates locations in both Speonk and Port Jefferson, has submitted a proposal to feature rooftop dining at what would be his third location, 325 Main St., Huntington.
He didn’t return a request for comment before deadline Wednesday.
His attorney, Woodbury-based Thomas Abbate, said Wednesday, “If we’re successful, it will be the first rooftop dining establishment in the Town of Huntington.” Abbate said the plan calls for seasonal access to the rooftop — as long as the weather’s warm, he said — with the traditional restaurant in the building below — which was previously home to Claudia Dowling Interiors.
The first floor of the planned restaurant would span 4,506 square feet. The rooftop dining area would be 925 square feet and have 40 seats.
In order for the plan to move forward, the ZBA will have to issue a special use permit for rooftop dining.
The board will also need to approve a permit for the restaurant to use municipal parking to satisfy its parking requirement of 150 spaces, an increase of 86 stalls over the previous use. The plan doesn’t provide any on site-parking.
The ZBA will host a public hearing on the proposal Aug. 17, 6 p.m. at Huntington Town Hall.
Rife with chemistry motifs, Brewology bills itself as serving up craft beers with “a focus on high-level American cuisine,” according to Speonk location’s Facebook page.
It continues, “From the industrial décor to the playful menu featuring shared portions and pairings, Brewology will be serving a smart generation that is keen on its food and educated about its beer.”