Sag Harbor's The Corner bar not reopening as planned

John and Kelley Piccinnini were slated to reopen the historic Corner Bar in Sag Harbor in August, giving new life to the beloved eatery for the first time in 48 years, as Newsday first reported in February. On Thursday, the pair announced they will no longer be involved with the project.

"We are incredibly proud of the vision we developed and brought to life at The Corner, and we are grateful to the Sag Harbor community for so warmly welcoming us," the Piccinninis said in an emailed statement. "Ultimately, the parties’ visions for The Corner were not aligned and we made the difficult decision to part ways." The Piccinninis plan to refocus their attention on their existing Amagansett businesses, The Clam Bar and Sett Coffee. 

Excited at the prospect of owning and operating Corner Bar, which they had renamed The Corner in honor of the restaurant's legacy, John called the opportunity to take over The Corner "an honor." The restaurant hosted two friends and family days in early August, with an original opening of Aug. 8, a date that was pushed after the conclusion of the soft opening, with no new date set. Speculation mounted within the Hamptons community about whether The Corner would reopen at all. A spokesperson from the ownership group adding the following:

"Ownership came into the project with great respect for the Corner Bar’s history and the role 1 Main St has played to Sag Harbor for generations. It remains committed to the community and intends to keep The Corner active. It is looking forward to bringing in a new full-time tenant/operator to the space by the Spring of 2027, if not sooner. We wish John and Kelly the best of luck in all their future endeavors."

Opened by Jim Smyth in February 1978, who ran it until his death in 2017 at 66, Corner Bar was put into a trust for his widow, Margaret Smyth, and remained open until Feb. 8, when the eatery closed after an emotional goodbye bash. Always packed, The Corner Bar drew songwriters and musicians such as local singer Nancy Atlas (who also previously worked at the eatery as a server) and Vince Gill. 

Both parties declined to comment further.

The Corner, 1 Main St., Sag Harbor, 631-769-3535; cornerbarsagharbor.com

By Marie Elena Martinez

marieelena.martinez@newsday.com@mariesworlds

A global freelancer who has checked her suitcase to raise her young daughter on her native Long Island, Marie Elena will always make time for good mezcal, even better tacos and killer conversation. Preferably, in a corner bar seat. She can be found on Instagram at @mariesworldeats.