Residents of Sag Harbor, a quaint village on eastern Long Island, are mourning the loss of a beloved 27-year-old diner, which is set to be replaced by a trendier and more expensive competitor. Estia's Little Kitchen, founded by Colin Ambrose, opened in February 1999 and quickly became a local favorite for its low-key, Mexican-inspired dishes, from loaded breakfast burritos to its signature corn chowder. A picturesque kitchen garden added to its charm.
Ambrose announced that Estia's would close on April 19, citing mounting physical and financial demands. The decision followed his move to list the business for sale last November for $3.75 million. Now, it has emerged that the much-loved neighborhood spot has been snapped up by California-based juice chain SunLife Organics, which counts Kendall Jenner and Kate Hudson among its high-profile fans. It is also where Bella Hadid landed her first job at age 15 before becoming a top model.
Unlike Estia's, known for its homely atmosphere and generous portions, SunLife Organics has built its brand around health-focused offerings. Its smoothies range from around $15 to as much as $33 for blends packed with ingredients like coconut meat, spinach, raw cashew butter, colostrum, creatine, and collagen. Meanwhile, its food menu spans from an $8 cream cheese bagel to a $40 'billion dollar breakfast bowl' topped with hemp granola and lotus pollen.
Since news of Estia's closure broke, locals have taken to social media to voice their frustration, with many branding it 'disgusting' and 'heartbreaking'. In an Instagram video, Sag Harbor native Sarah Jannetti shared an emotional reaction, recalling her connection to the restaurant. She described Estia's as a 'tiny little' spot she grew up visiting, praising its garden, its 'phenomenal breakfast burritos,' and the familiar staff who had been there for years. Jannetti said she was initially 'devastated' when she saw the restaurant listed for sale, but had hoped a new owner might preserve its character. However, after discovering that SunLife Organics was planning to open at the same address, her concerns deepened. 'Worst case - and honestly the more likely case - a $34 smoothie is moving in,' she said.
Jannetti added that it was difficult to watch beloved local spots disappear amid broader changes in the Hamptons, saying she felt 'very passionately' about the issue. 'I hate to see all my favorite childhood spots get swept up in this change,' she said. Many viewers shared in Jannetti's frustrations. One commenter wrote: 'I'm so sick of chains encroaching and changing everything about where I grew up... like since when did we let this happen.' Another added: 'Estia's is everything. This would be terrible.' Some viewers pointed out that this is part of a wider trend affecting the affluent Sag Harbor area. Other recent closures include the Corner Bar, which had been in business for 48 years, and Espresso To Go, a coffee shop that had operated for two decades.
In a separate Instagram thread, Rob Wiesenthal, the owner of private plane and helicopter charter service company Blade, also voiced his distress over Estia's closure. 'No more places for breakfast or an easy lunch in Sag. Make way for $45 Erewhon-style smoothies,' he wrote. Wiesenthal said he was a fan of Estia's Freddy Melt, a $17.50 grilled rye sandwich packed with a burger and Monterey Jack cheese.
Alongside upset locals, employees at Estia's also appear to have been caught off guard by the closure. They claim they had no idea it would happen so soon and were only given 24 hours notice after owner Ambrose posted the news on social media. They have since set up a GoFundMe page titled 'Help Estia's Team After Sudden Closure', which has already raised more than $39,000 toward its $55,000 goal. SunLife has yet to announce an opening date and has not responded to requests for comment.
