Real Estate

Muse Chef Buys Sag Harbor Restaurant Building

Property sells for just over $2.1 million.

While several restaurants have been in and out of the building that currently houses Muse in the Harbor, one chef-owner is proving he's there to stay.

Matt Guiffrida and his investment partners Gene Cattarina, Mario Gati, Harvey Krasner, and Carmine Rubino purchased 16 Main St., on the corner of Long Island Avenue, in Sag Harbor Village.

The $2.125 million deal closed last week, according to Anthony C. Cerio, a broker with Brown Harris Stevens who sold it with his partner Mitchel L. Natter. The building was originally listed for $2.9 million. 

"It was a natural fit for him to buy it," Cerio said of the chef. "We're very happy for him."

De Mar Holdings Corp. owned the property, which used to be a gas station, and put it up for sale in the beginning of the year. Over the past decade, the building has been home to La Maison and JLX Bistro, among others.

Guiffrida, who moved his now five-year old restaurant from Water Mill to Sag Harbor in March 2012, said he saw a sign go up in the window of the office space in the building. He spoke with Cattarina, a longtime customer, and it turned out he was willing to invest.

It's a dream come true for a chef, Guiffrida said. "Owning the property makes a big difference," he said, adding there is only so much he was willing to put into the building as a tenant.

Now, he's planning on giving the building fresh paint and stucco in some areas, and giving the office space "a face lift" before leasing it out. "Hopefully we bring in something that helps the village," he said.

Looking ahead, he said he may expand the 80-seat restaurant using the extra space. The restaurant serves New American food and hosts cooking classes.

Cerio, who also recently sold the Cavagnaro commercial complex in East Hampton Village with Natter, said commercial real estate is proving to be strong this year. 


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