The Corner Bar in Sag Harbor changes owners after 48 years

It’s rare when the essence of the owner is embedded in his business, but that’s the case with The Corner Bar in Sag Harbor, which has changed ownership after 48 years.

Jim Smyth opened The Corner Bar in February 1978, running it until his death in 2017 at 66. The business was put into a trust for his widow, Margaret Smyth, 69, and remained open until Feb. 8, when the eatery closed after an emotional goodbye bash. 

A photo of the founder on a restaurant wall had a message stating "his true wealth was in his generous heart." 

"It was like his living room," said Rhodi Winchell, 70, Margaret Smyth's sister, who worked at the iconic East End restaurant on opening night in 1978 as a server and remained there for years. Margaret said economic hardship wasn’t the reason for the sale. "It was time to retire," she said.

The restaurant was always packed, Margaret said. The Corner Bar drew songwriters and musicians such as Nancy Atlas (who also previously worked at the eatery as a server) and Vince Gill.

That was "his private place that you could all come to," Margaret said of Smyth. "That’s how he treated you; he wanted to give you the best."

New owners John and Kelly Piccinnini, who also own The Clam Bar and Sett Coffee in Amagansett, vow to keep what the community loves about the landmark eatery, including its name. They want to make it "a true modern ‘Cheers,’ " John Piccinnini said. Their goal is to reopen in June, he added.

Kelly Piccinnini described the new menu, still a work in progress, as a "gastropub menu with a costal flair." It will include classic comfort food options such as fish and chips and a signature burger. 

They also plan to have events such as karaoke, mah-jongg and bingo nights.

"To me, it’s truly an honor," John said of taking over the eatery. "It is something that we’re taking seriously and taking to heart and acknowledge the sensitivities of Sag Harbor, maintaining that local affordable place where everyone can go to."