Scott Sartiano, a prominent figure in New York City’s high-end nightlife scene, decided to venture out to the Hamptons this summer with the intention of putting down roots in the community. However, after facing challenges and setbacks from the local government and other entrenched interests in the area, it seems that he has already been beaten into submission. Sartiano, known for his successful ventures such as 1OAK and Butter, had built a blue-chip reputation with newer establishments like Sartiano’s and Zero Bond.
This summer, Sartiano set up a pop-up version of Sartiano’s at the Hedges Inn in East Hampton. However, he faced numerous issues throughout the season, including an alleged “harassment campaign” by police and pushback from the local government. Despite initially wanting to open an outpost of Zero Bond in the area, Sartiano ended up opening a restaurant in mid-July. This concession was seen as an attempt to show good intentions to concerned locals and Mayor Jerry Larsen of East Hampton Village.
The decision to open a restaurant instead of a private club was an apparent effort to demonstrate goodwill, but it ultimately resulted in noise complaints and fines. Sartiano believed that these actions were targeted and that authorities were trying to shut down his establishment. The uncertainty surrounding the future of his presence in the Hamptons remains, with the seasonal lease for the pop-up Sartiano’s at the Hedges Inn already lapsing. Sources indicate that it is unclear whether Sartiano will try his luck in the area next year, as he had initially hoped to build a legacy in the community for his family.
Despite his initial intentions of creating a long-lasting presence in the Hamptons, it appears that Sartiano may have already had enough of the challenges he faced this summer. While the space he occupied was iconic and had potential for future generations to enjoy, the difficulties with the local authorities and other interests have seemingly derailed his plans. Sartiano’s journey to the Hamptons serves as a cautionary tale of the challenges faced by even the most successful business figures when entering a new market, especially one as exclusive and entrenched as the Hamptons.
The clash between Scott Sartiano and the establishment in the Hamptons highlights the complexities of trying to break into a new market, especially one as protective of its traditions as this storied enclave. Sartiano’s experiences in the Hamptons this summer have shown that even a seasoned entrepreneur can face unexpected challenges when entering a new territory. Despite his initial aspirations of building a legacy in the community, it seems that Sartiano may have underestimated the resistance he would encounter, leading to uncertainty about his future plans in the area. Sartiano’s foray into the Hamptons serves as a cautionary tale of the difficulties of navigating established power structures in exclusive locales.
