This article written by Erica Marcus and was originally published in Newsday.
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Tenants have already started moving into the luxury apartments at Station Yards, the vast multiuse development rising alongside the LIRR tracks in Ronkonkoma. Soon, they’ll be able to grab a drink and a meal without crossing the street.
The newest venue to announce its involvement with the project is Artemis, designed as an homage to the speak-easies of the 1920s and ’30s that were pioneers in the art of the cocktail.
According to co-owner Ed Fabian, the menu will feature both alcoholic and nonalcoholic creations, and, adding to its exclusivity, there will be lockers for members to keep private stashes of liquor, and both private and public events, including cocktail classes and tastings.
Behind the eatery with Fabian, a partner at Billie’s 1890 in Port Jefferson, is Brendan Mooney of the Fire Island Ferries and Shoreline Trading Company and Anthony Vero of Aurora Contractors. The eponymous Artemis was a prohibition-era rum runner that supplied Long Island speak-easies before being captured by the Coast Guard and, eventually, pressed into service as a Fire Island ferry.
The 2,000-square-foot establishment plans to launch in September, by which time a number of Station Yards’ previously announced tenants should be open. Of the 20 or so retail spaces, almost half are spoken for by prominent local businesses, including Toast Coffeehouse, Lucharitos, Great South Bay Brewery, The Tap Room, Vespa Italian Kitchen & Bar, Poki Poke and Redefine Meals.
Chris Kelly, vice president of marketing for developer Tritec Real Estate, said the team sought out local operators.
“When we started public hearings in 2011,” he recalled, “we realized how many people start their journeys here after they get off the train at Ronkonkoma. That station is the front door of Long Island and we wanted to make it authentically Long Island.”
When it is completely occupied, the 53-acre Station Yards will comprise more than 1,000 apartments but Kelly, who grew up in Ronkonkoma and still lives there, said he expects it to attract visitors from all over central Suffolk.
“People in Ronkonkoma, Holbrook, Nesconset, Centereach, Selden — they’ll go spend the evening in Port Jefferson because there are no true destinations closer to home. We want to create a destination in the middle of the Island.”
Eateries on the Station Yards lineup
Artemis
Inspired by Jazz Age speak-easies, Artemis will specialize in cocktails and among its amenities will be private liquor cabinets for members.
Toast Coffeehouse
It’s a boisterous brunch all day at the breakfast-lunch specialist with additional locations in Port Jefferson, Patchogue, Bay Shore and Long Beach.
Lucharitos
The Greenport-born Mexican wrestler-themed taqueria also operates in Aquebogue, Center Moriches, Mattituck and Melville and, shortly, Mineola. Lucharitos will occupy one of two free-standing buildings at Station Yards.
The Tap Room
Specializing in craft beers on tap, sports streaming, live music and DJs, The Tap Room started in Patchogue in 2011 and has since opened satellites in Bay Shore, Farmingdale, Jericho, Massapequa Park and Rockville Centre.
Great South Bay Brewery
The Bay Shore-based brewery recently opened a massive gastropub in Lindenhurst and, at more than 8,000 square feet, the Station Yards location will match it for size. Look for beer, food and activities for the whole family.
Vespa Italian Kitchen & Bar
Like the Farmingdale original, this stylish trattoria will serve rustic Italian fare — with an emphasis on owner Benedetto LoManto’s native Sicily — and personal pizzas.
Poki Poke
The original Coram location serves poke bowls and boba tea; here, the menu will expand to ramen and beyond.
Redefine Meals
This meal-prep chain currently operates stores in Lake Grove, Bellmore, Commack and Port Jefferson.