(Photo by Rich Forestano)
La Marmite, a 41-year stronghold on Hillside Avenue in Williston Park, will give way to a new dining spot named Copperhill by the end of the summer in September. Bought by the Kearns family in 2013, a renovation was a given.
“We’ve been committed to renovating the restaurant since purchasing it,” said owner Dick Kearns.
He said the menu revamp was vital in transforming the famous restaurant from continental to modern cuisine.
Furthermore, the décor will lend itself to Copperhill’s message when it opens. Calling La Marmite a “magnificent building with a great history,” Dick said melding the restaurant’s core feeling and a “contemporary modern farmhouse feel” will showcase nicely to dinner guests.
“Now, we are going to make significant enhancements to the interior, creating an atmosphere and décor that complements our strategy,” Kearns said. “Given those changes, the decision to rebrand was a natural evolution.”
Dick credits his son and executive chef Greg Kearns with the revitalization of the menu for Copperhill.
“Our philosophy is based on creating fiercely seasonal menus that showcase our relationships with local farms and purveyors,” said Greg.
He feels offering multiple selections that satisfy different clientèle is crucial.
“Whether it’s seasonal produce, local seafood, or craft beer, the public is looking for high quality and great value,” Greg said. “Our goal is to deliver both.”
The new name for the much-loved eatery was coined by Greg, who wanted to honor the tradition while creating a new image.
“We wanted a name that respected both the history of the property and our view of the future,” he said. “The Copper Pan was one of the predecessor restaurants, and I liked the idea of working copper into our decor and new image.” As for the ‘hill’ component, the owners hope that the Hillside Avenue address will not change for the next 125 years.”
The 125-year-old home has held three restaurants since 1960. Former La Marmite co-owner Renzo Pedrazzi said the property functioned as a farmhouse at the turn of the century owned by John and Mary Collins. Pedrazzi bought the restaurant in 1974, which was The Copper Pan at the time.
“[Collins] built the building into a restaurant and called it The Captain’s Table before it became the Copper Pan,” Pedrazzi said.
Pedrazzi emigrated from Parma, Italy, at age 17 and landed a job at the Quo Vadis restaurant in Manhattan before moving on to The Four Seasons. He spent winters working in the Fontainbleau Hotel in Miami, where he served patrons like Marilyn Monroe, Tony Bennett, Doris Day, Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr.
Davis Jr. even made it to La Marmite after Pedrazzi opened up.
“He was a great guy,” Pedrazzi said of Davis Jr.
After his work in Manhattan, Pedrazzi became the manager of the Meadowbrook Club in Jericho for 11 years. For Pedrazzi, he misses the porch of the storied building.
“I feel sad to see the name go since I spent most of my life there, but I wish [Copperhill] the best of luck,” he said. “I hope they are very successful and have another 40 years in the restaurant.”
Greg Kearns said the porch and fireplace dining areas will be brighter and carry an at-home feeling. The bar will be extended, and a new taproom will be available to patrons.
“We want customers to have the relaxed feeling of dining in someone’s home,” said Greg. “The goal is to create an upscale dining experience in a more contemporary and casual atmosphere.”
With the new restaurant on target for a fall opening, Copperhill reps think the familial aspect will transfer over to the culinary side of the business.
“We made this work in a family, way and it turned out to be great,” Marketing and Events Coordinator Barri Kearns said. “Our kids get to see a family business and what it takes to make things happen.”
