Originally a small storefront on Three Mile Harbor Road in East Hampton, Damark’s Market has been transformed into a spacious food store — and, now, an award-winning business — over the last 75 years.
The family-owned market was established in 1949, but had a grand reopening in 2018 in a new and expanded space at its original location. On Tuesday, Damark’s received the 2024 Family-Owned Business Entrepreneur of the Year Award, presented by Stony Brook University’s Small Business Development Center.
The store’s recent success didn’t happen overnight. When Bruce and Michiko Damark took over as the third-generation owners of Damark’s Market 20 years ago, they immediately realized they needed to evolve.
“East Hampton was going through significant changes,” Mr. Damark recalled. “When we first started, hot food tables were not common, and individual coffees were still made-to-order for each customer. There was a need emerging for more sophisticated menu items, salads, coffees, and services.”
Recognizing that, the couple decided to expand their offerings. They added a hot table with a daily variety of menu items, ready-to-go house-made sandwiches, salads, pastries, and a self-serve coffee bar, additions that were well received by customers.
“Everything is simple but unique, and every bite is like an explosion of flavors,” Manuel España, one customer, said recently.
The new success also revealed that the old storefront had its limitations. It was in need of major repairs, and the small parking area was becoming increasingly unsustainable. So, the Damarks started to consider a more ambitious expansion project.
“Most importantly, we didn’t want to abandon what was already a 70-year-old landmark business and family legacy,” Mr. Damark said. “The result is Damark’s Market: a full-service market, including fresh fish and meat counters, fresh produce, flowers, groceries, a made-to-order grill, and of course, our menu du jour hot table.” There’s even a pizza oven.
Sonya Smith, statewide director of the New York Small Business Development Center, said by email last week that the organization is “thrilled” to honor this “incredible family business.”
“Their commitment to quality and community is truly inspiring,” Ms. Smith said. “It’s a testament to the power of collaboration between family-owned businesses, government agencies/officials, and local resources like the Small Business Development Center. Together, we’ve helped Damark’s . . . continue its legacy while embracing the future. It’s a perfect example of how support at different stages can drive success and modernize a beloved community establishment.”
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Hugh Eastman was a participant in The Star’s Summer Academy, a journalism program for high school students.