While many aspects of the business keep open, co-owner Claudia LaGrega said the longevity of the restaurant could be attributed to two things – being hands on and regulars.
LaGrega, who started working at the restaurant 25 years ago and purchased it 17 years ago with partner and head chef Tommy Marzano, said her day-to-day operations aren’t typical of a business owner.
“I actively bus tables, I actively bartend, I actively seat people – I don’t have a manager. It’s completely Tommy and I on the floor,” she said. “I think that makes a very big difference because you don’t lose sight of what you do.”
Ownership isn’t the only thing consistent with the longevity of the restaurant.
“The girls that have been here have been here for 10-14 years, most of them,” she said of the waitress staff. “They love their job, they love the customers and it shows.”
LaGrega described the restaurant as a bistro-pub, with items you’d typically find at a bar such as hamburgers to more elaborate, high-end items like steak, pasta, seafood and chicken dishes.
LaGrega and Marzano, both graduates of Smithtown High School West, have a loyal following at Faradays, as evident in the reviews in the Smithtown Patch directory. Of the seven current reviews, six of them have five-star ratings, while one reviewer left a four-star rating.
“Fabulous food, great atmosphere. My husband and I absolutely adore this restaurant. Faradays always leaves us with a big smile and we are always completely satisfied. Its a personable place where the owners are always there to greet you and make sure your stay will be wonderful,” wrote Patch reader .
Both LaGrega and Patch reader agreed on their favorite, most popular item on the menu – the Marinated New York Shell Steak.
In addition to the food, the establishment offers private room for office parties, bar specials, indoor and outdoor dining, a four-course dinner for $18.95 Monday through Thursday, on and off premises catering, lunch and dinner specials daily and happy hour six days a week. LaGrega said they are also planning a month long celebration in October for Oktoberfest.
A consistent customer base is necessary for any business to survive, something LaGrega is thankful to have.
“I have regulars from 25 years ago that still come in,” she said. “It’s the Cheers of Smithtown.”
