Dark Horse Owner Eyes Spicy's Land, Would Keep BBQ Joint Open

The owner of the in downtown Riverhead is looking to buy the property around on West Main Street, but said she wouldn't plan to replace the beloved restaurant and wouldn't move forward with the purchase until the area passed an environmental review.

Dee Muma, , said in an interview on Monday she was interested in the Spicy's property because of it's location overlooking the Peconic River.

"I like property on the river," Muma said. "They're not making more of them. This is a spectacular town [and] a tremendous location."

Muma clarified that she was only interested in purchasing the property around Spicy's, a staple of Riverhead for nearly 35 years that currently leases the building but doesn't own the property itself; removing Spicy's after purchasing the land, she said, was never part of her plan.

"No, no, no, no," she said. "I have no plans, so keep getting your chicken. Keep getting your ribs. Everyone loves Spicy's. I know I do."

However, Muma said she had concerns about the environmental safety of the land, since it is located next to a former gas station. She said an environmental review of the property will be underway soon and would be finished in about four months.

"If [the review] doesn't come back clean, I'm not going to buy it," she said.

Rick Stoner, president of Spicy's, said he had spoken to both Muma and another person interested in the property, and was under the impression that Spicy's would not be removed. Stoner said a handful of customers have come into his shop begging him not to close down the restaurant.

"Spicy's isn't for sale," Stoner said. "It's the property."

Stoner added that three generations of his family have passed through Spicy's doors. On Monday, Stoner was at work behind the counter, cooking with the deep fryer.

"I love the old diner," he said. "I'll stay here if I can."