Huntington’s Golden Dolphin Diner closed by state, signs say

The Golden Dolphin Diner in Huntington was closed and seized Wednesday, according to placards posted in the restaurant’s windows.

The signs, posted by the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance and dated July 26, cite a warrant and state the building and all property at the site on Route 25A were seized for nonpayment of taxes.

Owner Theodore Calligeros said he found out Wednesday morning that the property was being seized. He said he owes back taxes but is not sure how much.

“They wanted our money,” Calligeros said, adding that he had no further details.

Officials from the Department of Taxation and Finance said they could not immediately comment on the seizure.

“I’m in shock right now,” said Lorraine Scola, of Huntington. The waitress said she has worked at the restaurant for 19 years and heard about the seizure this morning through word-of-mouth.

“I was supposed to work at 5 p.m.,” she said. “I came down here to see it for myself. It’s devastating.”

The restaurant, which at one point boasted a menu of more than 400 items, was closed for five months in 2015 for a renovation, reopening with twice the space in October of that year.