Strong’s Marine has long been synonymous with boating on the North Fork. The family has been in the business near Great Peconic Bay dating back almost 50 years. In completing a major acquisition that opens up access to a new market and waterway, Long Island Sound, Jeff Strong spoke with pride about amenities that have less to do with boats.
We’re talking Adirondack chairs, a fire pit, swimming pool, volleyball, a restaurant and live music.
In April, the Strong’s became the new owners of the former Matt-A-Mar Marina near the southern end of Mattituck Creek on Wickham Avenue. Employees found a few chairs and placed them near the water facing west. The Strong’s sat back, sipped wine and watched the sunset.
And now it’s your turn.
Their new business, known as Strong’s Water Club & Marina, will continue to offer boat dockage (room for 135 boats, up to 75 feet), a saltwater pool and a restaurant — all long part of Matt-A-Mar. But a larger grouping of chairs will soon be scattered about a two-acre grassy area so others can watch the sun sink below the horizon, perhaps to the sound of a band playing their “Summer Saturdays” concerts.
Strong’s plan to offer water club memberships that will give access to the pool, beach volleyball court, kayaks and paddleboards.
An on-site hospitality concierge will arrange golf outings, wine tastings and other recreational activities, Mr. Strong said.
Soon you will be able to have a meal at the club.
The restaurant on the property, which has been empty since A Touch of Venice moved to Cutchogue, will reopen Labor Day weekend as Pace’s Dockside, Mr. Strong said.
The Strong family knows boating more than the restaurant business, so husband and wife Ron and JoAnne Pace are taking over. And their family does know food, having operated restaurants on Long Island for 85 years, including steakhouses in Port Jefferson and Hauppauge. Mr. Strong said Ron and JoAnne stood out among 15 potential operators.
“They are a good fit with the culture of Strong’s,” he said.
The public will have a chance to preview Pace’s Dockside fare at the marina and enjoy live music next Saturday, July 27, from 4 to 8 p.m.
Pace’s Dockside will offer seafood, meat and pasta, said Mr. Strong. Plans also include an outdoor tiki bar and separate raw bar.
“We’re going for a Beach Boys vibe,” he said. “Relaxed, comfortable, high-quality fun.”
Strong’s Water Club & Marina’s Summer Saturday Live Music Schedule
Saturday, July 27: East Meets West. 3 sets of music—oldies, classic rock, dance music
Saturday, August 17: Dana Kowalsick & Anthony Quattrone—acoustic folk
Saturday, August 31: The Retreads (5 piece band)— a crowd-pleasing mix of danceable rock.
