Vintage Wine Bar & Bistro Of Farmingdale Closing 'With A Heavy Heart'

FARMINGDALE, NY — Vintage Wine Bar & Bistro of Farmingdale is set to close its doors after nearly 10 years of "serving this incredible community," owner Jeff Rumman announced "with a heavy heart."

The restaurant is set to close "for good" on April 7, Rumman said.

"Rising costs have made it impossible for us to continue, and while this is not the ending we had hoped for, we are beyond grateful for every moment, every meal, and every memory shared within these walls," Rumman posted in Dine-LI, a Facebook group dedicated to supporting small businesses in the food and beverage industry.

Vintage Wine Bar & Bistro is at 185 Main St., Farmingdale.

The restaurant, like "so many restaurants in today's economy," has faced "skyrocketing food prices, higher labor costs, increasing rent, and utility bills that seem to climb every month," Rumman said.

The cost of ingredients, from fresh produce to specialty wines, has "surged," which Rumman said makes it harder to maintain the quality and experience the restaurant has always strived to provide. Supply chain disruptions and inflation added to the challenges, the owner said, forcing the restaurant to pay more for everything — from napkins to glassware — while trying to keep its menu prices fair.

The eatery serves tapas — or small plates — of seafood, pasta, and meat. It also served bruschette, brick-oven flatbread pizzas, and sides. These small plates were often paired with any of the dozens of wines the restaurant carried.

"We’ve fought hard to weather these financial storms, but despite our best efforts, the numbers simply no longer add up," Rumman said. "Rather than compromise on the experience we’ve built over the years, I had to make the heartbreaking decision to say goodbye."

Rumman said he will do his best to give as many people jobs as possible at his other restaurant down the street, High Tide Taco Bar.

"Even if it means I have to pay out of my own pocket to help my employees," Rumman said. "Unfortunately, I can only do so much. My employees are like family to me."

Rumman thanked his customers for their "support, kindness, and patronage over the years."

"Whether you celebrated a milestone with us, sipped a favorite wine, or simply enjoyed a meal in our space, you were part of the Vintage family," he said. "Though we are closing this chapter, we will always cherish the memories we’ve created together. We hope that during are final weeks you will take the opportunity to have dinner or a drink and share one last memory with us. We will miss you. If you miss us, after April 7th we will not be far away. Please come and support us at our sister restaurant down the block, High Tide Taco Bar. It would be nice to see you."

High Tide Taco Bar, located at 257 Main St., Farmingdale, was voted best Tex-Mex restaurant on Long Island in the 2023 Bethpage Best of LI Awards.