Last Thursday evening, restaurant owner Zach Erdem arrived at a luxury Hamptons residence, leaving a gourmet meal at the door in a contact-free delivery. Known for his Southampton hotspot 75 Main—a favorite of celebrities like Kim Kardashian West, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Joe Biden—Erdem personally transported dishes like grilled branzino, lobster, and desserts in his Mercedes G-Wagon. Though the customer expressed surprise at his hands-on approach, Erdem insisted he was happy to help.
As Hamptons eateries gear up for Wednesday’s outdoor dining reopening—their first chance to serve customers since March’s lockdown—they face significant obstacles. Staffing shortages have forced Erdem into multiple roles: delivering orders, cooking (even burning his hand), and paying a waiter $20/hour to wash dishes. Many former employees, he says, prefer staying on enhanced unemployment benefits over returning to work, complicating hiring efforts.
These challenges could lead to chaotic scenes as crowds flock to the Hamptons. Restaurant consultant Don Evans predicts a disorderly start: “People are tired of eating at home.” Ian Duke, co-owner of Union Burger Bar and Southampton Social Club, anticipates “controlled chaos” but believes reservation systems and planning will help manage demand.
To accommodate outdoor seating, neighboring businesses have allowed Erdem to place tables near their storefronts, potentially transforming the area into a vibrant block party. Other establishments like Nick & Toni’s and Gurney’s are also preparing to reopen outdoors, though indoor dining won’t resume until late June.
Despite the reopenings, uncertainty lingers. Evans warns some restaurants may not survive the financial strain of the shutdown, while Erdem aims simply to break even this summer: “I’m hoping July and August make up for what we’ve lost since March.”