Fire Delays Artful Dodger's Debut, Doors Open Friday

Artful Dodger took over the vacant home to  on Main Street, but its opening was delayed by an . With the repairs complete the club/lounge is set to open Friday.

Owner Michael Conforti said the grand opening was planned for the Friday following the fire. Now a soft opening is set for Friday with a special grand opening the following week.

Conforti said while renovations are complete and his permits are in order, Friday's opening is dependent on the Town of Smithtown issuing him a certificate of occupancy.

Friday's debut will feature Party 105 deejays Eddie Tegone and Jonathan Move, with free drinks for women from 9 p.m. to midnight.   

The Smithtown location is Conforti's second, with .

According to the , firefighters responded to the 2:32 a.m. call at Artful Dodger on Jan. 4 to battle a fire that was likely electrical in nature. The fire department said it started above the doors.