Tip Top Hospitality — the Hamptons-based restaurant group behind Sen, K Pasa, Smokey Buns and Kumiso, helmed by brothers Tora and Jesse Matsuoka and chef David Hart — has opened another year-round food destination in downtown Sag Harbor.
Cruust, the casual, Italian-esque sandwich, salad and coffee shop opened just after July Fourth in the space that formerly housed Espresso Da Asporto, located at 2 Main St. right next to K Pasa. Back in the early spring of this year, when it was announced the Italian to-go spot was closing, it was a big blow to the community.
While grief over the loss of yet another locally run, year-round business was mounting, Sag Harbor native Bobby Deery, general manager of the neighboring K Pasa and director of operations at Tip Top, had other ideas.
The newly renovated space that houses Cruust includes 12 seats overlooking Sag Harbor’s main drag as well as a small grocery section. (Photo credit: Emily Toy)
“When the owners of Espresso’s announced they were leaving for good, Bobby came to me and Jesse and said, ‘you know, we should really take the space over. We don’t want a dark place next to K Pasa,'” Hart says. “Bobby should get all the credit for us doing this.”
With a team of about six, including Deery as manager and longtime Espresso’s employee and fellow Sag Harbor local Irvin Vaquero overseeing the kitchen, Cruust will offer affordable familiar riffs on hot and cold Italian American classics, including over a dozen specialty sandwiches and wraps like the souped but Baconator, a piquant twist on the BLT, as well as a handful of salad and French fry options. Prices range between $14 and $19 per sandwich or pasta dish.
Additionally, there will be a small grocery section stocked with dried pastas, jarred sauces, imported olive oils and myriad pantry staples. Coffee will be provided by Groovy Coffee, the New York City-based, sister-owned purveyor known for its cinnamon-infused brew.
“We all know we’re in a resort town, and there are a lot of wealthy people that come here,” Hart says, ” but we also have to remember there’s a lot of Sag Harbor locals that can’t afford to go and spend $300 on dinner.”
Cruust is located at 2 Main St. in Sag Harbor. Open every day from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. For more information click here or call 631-899-3533.
