There are some familiar faces at the Islanders counter. Original owners Steve and Pat Lennox flank new owner Manuel Lopez. (Provided photo)
In 1998, Pat and Steve Lennox opened a diner on Shelter Island and were welcomed with open arms by the locals.
Good food, fair prices, and a family atmosphere were the perfect combination. Years later, when the main cook suddenly became unemployed, Manuel Lopez stepped up.
Today, Manuel and his business partner Hugo Montoya run the Islander, Shelter Island's only diner. The atmosphere is kitchen table and the food is comfortable.
Burgers and Omelettes, Tacos and Cobb Salads has had new owners, renovations and decorations for 26 years, but two things have remained consistent. That's Manuel Lopez at the grill and a local customer at the booth.
Manuel came to Greenport from Guatemala by way of Los Angeles more than 20 years ago. In LA, his employment options were tough, including working at a car wash in temperatures that reached 150 degrees.
In Greenport, he worked in a restaurant and in construction, which was hard work but not life-threatening.
His younger brother, Jose Lopez, worked for the Islanders when they were still called Pat and Steve's and helped Manuel get his foot in the door. After the first chef left, Manuel took over the right side of the grill (hamburgers, fries) and Pat Lennox took over the left side (pancakes and eggs).
When the Lennoxes sold the business to Chris Chobor and Ashley Knight, they left strict instructions to retain Manuel, who had become an accomplished chef.
Last year, Chobor and Knight decided to pass the torch to Manuel and his partner Hugo, who became co-owners on October 1, 2023, with Manuel as chef.
“Manuel is here every day,” Hugo said. “I come over on the weekends and do whatever needs to be done. Sometimes I do the dishes.”
Manuel grew up on a small, diverse farm in Guatemala. The crops and animals they raised fed his family, literally from farm to fork. “We had everything,” he said. “We ate it, and we sold it.”
Manuel currently lives on Shelter Island. When asked what he likes to cook at home, he gave a typical chef's answer. “To be honest, I don't cook at home. I'm always here. I start at 6:30 in the morning. I get home at 8 or 9. On my days off, I might go shopping. I don’t know.”
Hugo was born in Mexico City and came to Greenport 23 years ago. At the time, Greenport's Spanish-speaking community numbered only about 100 people.
“Everyone knew everyone. Now there are even more Spanish-speaking people from Salvador and Nicaragua. Before it was just Guatemalans and Mexicans.”
He started a floor polishing business, Montoya Flooring, and married Islander Bethany Clark. They have a daughter named Kenzie.
Montoya Flooring is now an established business. If you want to know more about their work, check out The Islander's gleaming wood floors.
Refinished as part of a five-day marathon renovation, the diner was closed long enough for customers to miss the place, then reopened in the same location as before with new flooring, new paint, and freshly painted booths. did. 1998.
“Chris Chobor and Ashley Knight gave us the opportunity to rent this place,” Manuel said. “We're not going to change anything. It's for the local people. We're open during the winter, and the local people helped us get through our first winter.”
Manuel and Hugo live a good life for themselves and their community. “All the islanders have supported us this winter,” Hugo said. “Local people make this restaurant.”
Their skills complement each other. Hugo has many years of experience running successful local businesses and Manuel was here to help create a special place on a special island by cooking three meals of fresh, home-cooked food. .
Lightning Round — Manuel Lopez and Hugo Montoya
What do you always carry with you?
Hugo: i have a rosary [rosary] on my wrist. I never take it off. When it gets old, I buy a new one.
Manuel: my cross.
What is your favorite place on Shelter Island?
Hugo: tuck shop.
Manuel: Mr. Islander. I can never go anywhere else!
What is your favorite sport/team?
Manuel: Barcelona. Next year, the World Cup will be held in Canada, Mexico and New York.
Favorite food?
Hugo: camarones [shrimp]
Manuel: steak
Favorite movie?
Hugo: Gladiator
Manuel: Fast and Furious when I was a kid
