Just over two weeks after a three-alarm fire forced it to close, Jordan Lobster Farms reopened on July 1, marking an emotional return for the beloved Island Park waterfront institution.
The family-owned seafood market and restaurant announced its reopening on social media, thanking the community, first responders and employees who helped make the quick turnaround possible.
“The fire tested us in ways we never imagined, but it also reminded us how fortunate we are to be part of such an amazing community,” the post read. “The love, encouragement and support from our family, friends, customers, first responders and incredible staff has carried us through every step of this journey.”
The business also praised its employees — affectionately known as the “Lobstertricians” — for working throughout the cleanup and rebuilding process.
“Through the mess, the long days and the heartbreak, the faces you see here are just some of the hearts of this place,” the post continued, accompanied by photos of employees. “We could not have done this without a single one of them.”
For Co-owner John Vitale, the reopening was the culmination of weeks of nonstop work after the June 14 fire threatened one of the busiest seasons of the year.
One of the biggest hurdles, Vitale said, came before any cleanup could begin. “A big obstacle early on was having to wait for the insurance companies to complete their investigation to determine the cause of the fire,” he said. “Everyone was so anxious to begin the cleanup, get rid of the burned debris and start to rebuild.”
Investigators ultimately determined that an old steam kettle emitted flames, sparking the fire, Vitale said. Once the investigation concluded, crews moved quickly to restore the property.
“There was a tremendous sense of purpose on everyone’s part to get back open,” he said. “Experienced building trades understood the dire situation of getting back open during the height of our short summer season. They worked around the clock, 24 hours a day.”
The fire was reported shortly before 7 p.m. on June 14 at the restaurant and seafood market, at 1 Pettit Place. The Island Park Fire Department led the response, assisted by firefighters from Oceanside, Point Lookout, Long Beach, Lynbrook, East Rockaway, Freeport and Lawrence-Cedarhurst.
Firefighters brought the blaze under control in roughly 70 minutes. “The first responders were critical in getting to the scene quickly, getting the fire under control and preventing a total loss,” Vitale said.
No injuries were reported, and the fire was contained to the building’s upper level. The lower level, including much of the restaurant, fish market and kitchen, escaped significant damage, allowing restoration efforts to move forward quickly.
Vitale credited longtime employees with helping make the rapid reopening possible. “For our staff, this was very personal,” he said. “Not only are their livelihoods here, but Jordan’s is like a second home to most of the veterans.”
He also praised owner Steve Jordan for leading the recovery effort. “Steve Jordan led by example, and the staff followed, working long hours to get the job done,” Vitale said.
In the days after the fire, employees launched a GoFundMe campaign to help coworkers who suddenly found themselves without work. The campaign set a goal of $20,000 and reached it in just one week.
“I thought it was amazing,” Vitale said. “They divided it up amongst themselves, and it certainly helped many people through a difficult time.”
The generosity extended far beyond the fundraiser. “The Island Park and Oceanside communities have been beyond supportive,” Vitale said. “The kind words really resonate with our employees. They feel the love.”
That support has continued since the restaurant reopened. “Seeing everyone returning to Jordan’s these first few days has certainly been a comfort,” he said. “People are not only coming back for our great lobsters, but also just to say welcome back and let us know they’re here to support our business and our staff.”
For many residents, Jordan Lobster Farms is more than just a restaurant. Founded initially in 1938 in Brooklyn — and then in the mid-1970’s expanded to Island Park — by Steve Jordan’s grandfather, the late William Jordan, the waterfront business has become a South Shore landmark, with a seafood market, a clam bar, a restaurant and waterfront dining area that draws diners and customers from across Long Island.
Vitale said the experience reinforced just how deeply rooted the business is in the community.
“Thank you for standing by us,” the restaurant wrote in its reopening announcement. “We’re back … stronger than ever.”
