Hepatitis A Threat Proves to Be Non-existent
(Southampton, NY) Just days before the biggest and last weekend of summer, Labor Day Weekend, The Driver’s Seat management learned that one of its former employees had been treated for Hepatitis A in a New York hospital. Hired by the restaurant on August 6, 2013 to help with the summer crowds, the waiter – who never handled food as runners serve the tables, had become problematic with late arrivals and inattentiveness and had been let go on August 26. He went to New York City to stay with family where he became ill and was hospitalized. The New York hospital promptly notified several Health Departments. They in turn alerted health officials in areas where the waiter had worked including the Suffolk County Health Commission.
Housed in a building built at the turn of the century and was once a produce store before it became a bar and restaurant, The Driver’s Seat has served Hamptonites and visitors from around the world for over 60 years.
Southampton Hospital responded immediately to the Health Department warning made by Dr. James Tomarken and set up a special room for staff and patrons to be inoculated as a preventative measure. All the staff took part quite willingly. The Health Department made an immediate visit and found no evidence of illness among the staff and indeed found the restaurant spotless. In subsequent visits, the same proved true and just recently they issued a report certifying this.
Southampton Hospital President & CEO Robert Chaloner’s office confirmed that they had inoculated all the staff and several patrons but also stated that they had not treated anyone for carrying Hepatitis A and no person had been admitted or been treated for Hepatitis A at the facility.
Grace Kelly-McGovern of the Suffolk County Health Commission was distressed when she learned the consequences for the many employees and the restaurant itself and immediately provided a copy of the inspection notice to be distributed to all.
Throughout this over exaggerated scare which proved to be non-existent, The Driver’s Seat and its staff saw a drop in patronage as so many news outlets – print, online and TV – had carried the story providing the setting for a perfect storm. Yet numerous customers who had eaten there during the period and suffered no ill effects continued to patronize the landmark restaurant known widely as “the meeting place in the Hamptons” for business and local residents. Grace Kelly-McGovern of the Suffolk County Health Commission was distressed when she learned the consequences for the many employees and the restaurant itself and immediately provided a copy of the inspection notice to be distributed to all.
Long a favorite gathering place for local business people and regulars from as far away as Roslyn, The Driver’s Seat loyal customers stood by their favorite eatery.
Fr. Alexander Karloutsos, head of The Greek Orthodox Church of Southampton who has been a regular presence at the restaurant for many years, never stopped coming during the scare. “One of the great joys my wife Xanthi and I have in the Hamptons, is taking our grandchildren to the Driver’s Seat with its great family atmosphere, delicious food is truly hospitable. This restaurant is part of the Hamptons magic where you can enjoy the best of the best while living by the sun, sea and sand”, he stated. Laura Guastavino, manager of the wildly popular Joe Fresh store on Jobs Lane said, “I eat there all the time and never had any problems. Love their Shrimp Fajitas”.
Longtime patrons Gary & Katherine Andreassen and their two college age daughters who divide their time between Princeton and Southampton have been eating at The Driver’s Seat for over 20 years. Mr. Andreassen noted, “We continued to patronize The Driver’s Seat for its nightly specials. Tommy and the crew take excellent care of us! We knew the concern would fizzle without any adverse effects to anyone – and it did”
Echoing their comments were Roxanne Mosleh & Bobby Ginsberg of Missoni Home which has had a wonderful first season, “We dine there once or twice a week and know the owners of The Driver’s Seat very well. They and their staff run an exceedingly clean operation. They also continue to run a family friendly restaurant that is delicious and affordable”. Roxanne added that with kids there were very few restaurants that weren’t budget busters.
Housed in a building built at the turn of the century and was once a produce store before it became a bar and restaurant, The Driver’s Seat has served Hamptonites and visitors from around the world for over 60 years. The new owners, a local family purchased the building in 2005 and restored it to its original grandeur. Their experienced chefs and visiting chefs continue to provide guests with a more broad dining experience. Today, The Driver’s Seat offers the best dining quality and value in the Hamptons. The Driver’s Seat is located in the heart of historic Southampton Village at 66 Jobs Lane, Southampton, New York 11968. Tel. 631-283-6606 Fax: 631-283-6607.
For menus & special events please visit www.thedriversseat.com
