Huntington's Porto Fino Owner On Coronavirus Status: 'Not Good'

HUNTINGTON, NY — Restaurant owners have and continue to face challenges during the coronavirus outbreak. Eateries spent nearly three months relying only on takeout and delivery, as a New York state executive order temporarily banned sit-down service. It wasn't until June 10 that restaurants regained outdoor seating under phase two of the state's reopening plan, and June 24 that they could allow indoor dining again at half capacity.

With businesses not yet able to fire on all cylinders, many restaurateurs continue to struggle, including Dary Shooshtary, owner of Porto Fino in Huntington. When asked how things have gone since the third phase was rolled out, Shooshtary said, "personally, not good."

"Business is actually a little bit less, and the payroll is a little bit higher," he told Patch. "I’m going to be honest with you, we were doing a lot of takeout. Takeout’s been slower the past couple of months. There were a lot of places in the neighborhood that were closed, and now they’re open. People are going to other places, also. The takeout is sort of steady, but it’s down from the last month."

The restaurant has always done takeout, but dine-in was its primary revenue generator, according to Shooshtary.

Outdoor dining continues to be more popular among customers than indoor, even after the third phase began, Shooshtary said. He's more confident the restaurant will survive the pandemic now than he was in March, which was when he was most worried, he said. However, he's not positive it's smooth sailing ahead.

"Do I have full confidence? I hope [Porto Fino survives]. I don’t have full confidence."

His fear of indoor dining being rolled back if coronavirus cases spike back up in New York "absolutely" exists, Shooshtary said.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Monday warned New Yorkers if social distancing violations continue, restaurants and bars could soon close again. If people continue crowding businesses and drinking without masks, Cuomo said: "We are going to have to roll back the opening plan and close bars and restaurants."

Shooshtary hasn't heard any timetable from the state on when full indoor dining capacity will once again be allowed, he said.

Porto Fino opened in Huntington in 2012, and Shooshtary purchased the restaurant in January. The eatery, at 395 New York Ave., serves gourmet pizzas, homemade pastas and fresh seafood.

"Come inside and eat," he said. "Come into the dining hall. It’s cleaned numerous times a day. The tables are six feet apart. Our staff is doing everything we can to keep people safe."

The restaurant can be reached at 631-673-1200.