For decades, families from all across Long Island have been going to Zorn’s of Bethpage for a reliably delicious meal. Whether it be to cater a holiday or to simply change up the dinner routine, the food served at Zorn’s has been a staple in families’ lives for as long as the iconic building has stood on Hempstead Turnpike. Now, that building is getting knocked down.
For the past handful of months, passersby have watched a transformation take place. While the original Zorn’s, albeit renovations over the years, has stood in all of its glory serving customers what they love, a new blue and white building was constructed adjacent to the classic facility. On Thursday, May 2, Zorn’s of Bethpage shut its doors for the last time and became officially “closed” the next day. But like they say, when one door closes, another one opens. Over the weekend, the Zorn’s staff worked around the clock to transfer product to the new storefront and put out the homemade goodness that Long Islanders know and love, and at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, May 8, a new era of Zorn’s of Bethpage began.
(Photo courtesy of Zorn’s of Bethpage)
“It was tough,” said Zorn’s of Bethpage owner Merrill Zorn. “It was an absolute marathon trying to get out and get going and trying to situate ourselves and the new equipment and new everything, but we managed. [The staff is] my family and I’m proud to call them that.”
Along with a brighter, more spacious, modern interior, the new Zorn’s building is complete with a dining area and restroom facilities—two things that Zorn’s customers have been requesting over the years.
“They can expect the same quality, the same food, the same people, the same smiling faces,” Zorn said. “Really, nothing has changed. Just the atmosphere.”
As the decorations continue to go up around the store, the new building is gradually looking like home for Zorn, but it can’t replace the special place in her heart the original building held. Zorn explained that she grew up in Zorn’s, watching as her elders worked to feed Long Island, ultimately continuing the tradition herself. As that generations-old building becomes nothing but a memory, setting up shop on the new site has been a bittersweet experience. But Zorn is ready for a new chapter to begin in the Zorn’s of Bethpage story.
“We’re here, we’re open,” she announced. “We welcome everybody and I hope they enjoy the food and I hope they enjoy the experience.”
