'Heartbreaking': Car Plows Into Lindenhurst Business Just Before Grand Opening

LINDENHURST, NY — The operators of a new Lindenhurst cocktail bar had been preparing to announce a grand opening date, but are now left scrambling after a car plowed into the business early Sunday.

A woman sideswiped a vehicle before striking the West Hoffman Avenue storefront of Hunter & Thief, a long-awaited spot for libations in the village’s downtown area, authorities said. The incident occurred around 5 a.m. and the driver fled, according to Suffolk County police, who said the collision is under investigation.

“It’s heartbreaking to us, because we put so much heart and soul and effort into curating the space,” said Gabrielle Gonzalez, one half of the duo behind Hunter & Thief.

Now, the doorframe is ripped out, sconces are broken, the tile is damaged by gas and oil, and cinderblock on the wall has dissolved, according to the bar's other proprietor, Jonathan Gonzalez.

“Everything has to be replaced completely,” he said.

Hunter & Thief is expected to stay closed for several weeks due to the damage, according to the first-time business owners.

“Nobody’s going to move faster than we are to resolve this,” Gabrielle said.

The Gonzalez family has been working to open Hunter & Thief for more than four years. The business qualified for an $18,750 PSEG Long Island Main Street Revitalization grant.

Gabrielle thanked village officials and community members Sunday as the team behind the bar continued to work toward its grand opening.

“We are very, very grateful and humbled by the continued support,” she said. “We owe it to everybody to see it through.”

For updates on Hunter & Thief, follow @hunterandthief on Instagram.