Hamptonites mourn closing of Estia’s Little Kitchen

End of an Era: Estia’s Little Kitchen in the Hamptons Closes Down

Residents in the Hamptons are mourning the closure of Estia’s Little Kitchen, a beloved local institution. The unassuming Mexican-style diner, known for its affordable meals, will be replaced by a high-end smoothie chain, signaling a shift in the area’s landscape.

For almost thirty years, Estia’s has been a staple on the Sag Harbor–Bridgehampton Turnpike, serving up delicious meals at reasonable prices. Last November, the owner, Colin Ambrose, put the property on the market for $3.75 million. Over the weekend, SunLife Organics, a California-based smoothie business, finalized the purchase.

SunLife Organics is famous for its expensive “billion dollar smoothie,” a favorite among Instagram influencers. The smoothie costs $33, more than most items on Estia’s menu. This change has left many locals saddened by the loss of their go-to spot.

The closure of Estia’s was met with protests from long-time employees who walked out on what was supposed to be the restaurant’s last day. SunLife Organics, with a cult following similar to Erewhon, is expected to bring a new vibe to the area.

The news of Estia’s closure is part of a larger trend of commercialization in the Hamptons. Chains are starting to infiltrate the once quaint hamlets, changing the landscape of the East End.

Despite the changes, Estia’s will be remembered as one of the last old-school local institutions in the area. Its year-round operation set it apart from other seasonal businesses that cater to a larger crowd during the summer months.

For residents, the closure of Estia’s represents more than just losing a restaurant; it’s a loss of a community space where celebrities and locals mingled over delicious meals. As locals search for new alternatives, the spirit of Estia’s will live on in their memories.