Famous Montauk restaurant Shagwong sold
The neon sign of Shagwong in Montauk. Credit: Ian J. Stark
Shagwong, the downtown Montauk hangout that has hosted celebrities from the Rolling Stones to Andy Warhol, plus thousands more locals and vacationers, has been sold.
The new owners of the casual establishment are real estate developer Jon Krasner and partner Beau Campsey. Krasner also is an owner of The Saltbox, new to Montauk this year, and Harlow East in Sag Harbor. Shagwong's price was listed recently at about $3 million.
They said in a statement that Shagwong will offer live music, get a new jukebox, and a "streamlined" but familiar menu. The fishing decor will stay. And for regulars, there will be no fancy cocktail list added to the options, only the cold beer and whiskey shots that helped define the place.
Shagwong restaurant and bar opened in 1969. It has been on the market for about four years. Owner and co-founder Jimmy Hewitt made the motto for Shagwong "great food and fun times."
"I hope we can bring back some of the old vibe from Montauk 1975 back to life in this unique and beautiful fishing town," said Krasner. Shagwong, which is keeping its name, is scheduled to open under the new ownership on June 12. Expect burgers, "reasonably priced" steak, fried calamari and locally caught fish.
Shagwong, 774 Main St., Montauk; 631-668-3050.
