Copyright Joliet, IL Patch
"Our restaurant and food hold significant meaning to many guests. It's incredible to see the love passed over 2, sometimes 3, generations." RIVERHEAD, NY — For generations, Jerry & The Mermaid in downtown Riverhead has been an iconic dining spot, tightly woven into the community canvas — a place where families have come for years to gather, share a delicious meal, and mark the milestone moments in their lives. Since 1994, the Dicecco family, including Jerry Diccecco, his son Jerry Dicecco Jr. and now Jerry III, have been "dishing out smiles and creating unforgettable memories," while serving up mouthwatering seafood and American fare, according to their website. And now, a newly renovated terrace room and patio provide expanded spaces for private events — so that guests can gather for the moments that make life meaningful, while enjoying a menu that's delighted for decades. Speaking with Patch, Jerry Dicecco Jr. outlined his vision for the terrace room. "We wanted to create an indoor/outdoor space that could be used year round," he said. "We can take the wall panels down in the summer and you still feel like you are dining al fresco with protection of the rain/wind when needed. In the winter, the room is tight and can be easily heated to create a private space for small groups." Dicecco explained that the eatery often has reqests for private events. "We would utilize our patio, which can host up to 55 guests, but we would need a relatively large group in order to reserve it as private. The new terrace space is smaller and can hold a max of 35 guests," he said. The new terrace space affords the ability to do private events for a group of 20 to 35 without a problem, Dicecco said. "We already have a few groups booked to host holiday parties. We have done many birthday celebrations, corporate dinners, rehearsal dinners, private brunch, baby showers, bridal showers and even a few retirement parties." Both spaces are aesthetically similar, Dicecco said. "They both have an indoor/outdoor Key West kind of feel to them. The patio is fully enclosed and offers A/C in the summer. The terrace is simply covered and screened, with lots of fans for air circulation. " The idea of hosting private events aligns with a longtime vision of creating a space where clientele can gather to celebrate life's precious moments and celebrate family, something, Dicecco said, that means everything. "Between my father and I, we have been hosting events for local families for 50-plus years," he said. "I did a baby shower recently and my father cooked the grandparents' wedding 45 years ago. We have countless stories of multiple generations of families that we have prepared meals for, and held private events for. Our restaurant and food hold significant meaning to many guests and it's incredible to see the love passed over two and sometimes three generations." His own children are deeply rooted in the restaurant's rich legacy, familiar faces around the eatery as they see and learn firsthand the lessons and legacy of hard work — and deep fulfillment that effort yields, Dicecco said. For those looking to book an event, Dicecco has a heartfelt message. "I guarantee that the planning and execution of the events will be done with love and to your exact specification. I personally will oversee all aspects of the events. Like my father before me, 'I book them . . . and I cook them!' When you go on my website and fill out an event request information, that personal response you receive will come directly from me (chef/owner) personally.. There is no sales team or information getting fumbled from a manager to the chef and eventually servers. I oversee the event process from start to finish and you will therefore always be in capable hands." Dicecco reflected on operating a year-round business on the East End, where so much of the economy is seasonal, during a time when costs are rising across the board. "As the last of the apples and pumpkins are picked, tourism to the East End drastically slows down," Dicecco said. "Thank goodness for out loyal, local following that keeps us steady throughout the winter months. We love and appreciate you all!" To that end, Dicecco is devoted to showing his sincere appreciation for long-time supporters. "That is why we recently started Burger/Beer Mondays where you get a local Bbew paired with our 'Jerry' signature burger for $19.95, from open to close on Mondays," he said. "We have also launched a kids-eat-free program on Tuesday and Thursdays to give young local families a more affordable option and still be able to feel normal and go out. Everything is expensive — but we are trying to give out local customers some additional value to help out. " The Dicecco family has long been deeply committed to giving back in the community. During the pandemic, Dicecco launched the Mermaid Project, to help hospitality workers hit hard — and to extend a lifeline to those in need, feeding families when the future was uncertain. That legacy of giving lives on in Dicecco's lifetime commitment to serving the community that means everything to him and his family. "At the moment I am doing my annual Turkey Drive, where I personally pledge to acquire enough food to feed 50 local families in need this Thanksgiving," Dicecco said. "We work with the Riverhead Key Club at the high school on this initiative. We fundraise and get other local businesses to chip in to help provide some of the items or money to cover," he said. The Riverhead Central School District vets families in need that can use the assistance and then the club/teachers distribute the meals, he said. "It's a beautiful tradition that we have done for several years," Dicecco. In addition, Jerry & The Mermaid is just wrapping up its Breast Cancer awareness effort, a "Drink Pink" initiative that raises money for the Breast Cancer Foundation, he said. "It's a simple and fun way for the community to raise money for something that someone we all know is affected by," he said. Also, the eatery recently sponsored the New York Marine Rescue Center's 5K Run for the Ridley event, offering all runners complimentary Blood Marys at the awards ceremony. "It was a fun way for the community to get out, raise money for an amazing cause that helps save our local marine life — and enjoy a fun cocktail to conclude the morning. It was truly a a great time. We have been working with the organization and volunteering at the event for almost 30 years now!" Dicecco said. The Dicecco family legacy is not just about creating delicious meals and moments — but about becoming an integral part of the community and consistently giving back with open hearts to help. "Throughout the years we have and continue to sponsor Little League teams and give donations to almost every local organization and charity you can think of," Dicecco said. "We recently sponsored the shirts for the Riverhead Reserve Officers' Training Corps, which were desperately needed. We get involved with many of the Riverhad Volunteer Ambulance Corps, Inc, fire department, and police events and fundraisers. We do as much as we possible can to get involved and give back to our community." As he designed the private event spaces, Dicecco was fulfilled, knowing the restaurant has become a community touchstone. "Even though I considered us an everyday, casual restaurant, the fact that guests want to celebrate some of life's biggest milestones with us feels incredible. We have hosted more birthdays, anniversaries, wedding events, graduations, retirements, bereavements, etc. throughout the decades than I could ever keep count of," he said. "It make me proud to know people trust us and love the restaurant, staff and food enough to give us the pleasure of hosting these events for them. It means the world to me." And, as he follows in his father's beloved footsteps and takes his own children's hands — teaching them not just about the restaurant, but also, life lessons about hard work, dedication and building something that feeds not just bodies but souls — Dicecco said he's thrilled to provide event spaces where memories can take blossom. "Family means everything to me," Dicecco said. "One of the simple pleasures for me and many is sitting around a table, enjoying a great meal and company. It's an honor to get to provide that for so many guests as often as I do. It's the true reason I do what I do. I love to cook, but I could do that for my friends and family at my house. Doing it professionally in a restaurant setting is glorifying, because you get to see the magic that comes from enjoying an incredible dining experience with those you love. I have the privileged of seeing this every day and it brings joy to my heart. Even after doing this for 25-plus years already, that part of my job never seems to get old." For additional information and to book a private event at Jerry & The Mermaid, click here.
