Little Gull owners prepare to open Galley at the former Eckart's
Will and Johanna Pendergast are bringing a new restaurant to one of Westhampton Beach's best-known dining addresses, with signage installed, outdoor seating taking shape and hiring underway.
The former Eckart's Luncheonette building at 162 Mill Road in Westhampton Beach.
WESTHAMPTON BEACH — Galley, a new restaurant from the team behind Little Gull Cafe, is taking shape at 162 Mill Road, the longtime home of Eckart's Luncheonette.
The restaurant's identity is now visible from the street. Vertical GALLEY lettering has been installed on the white two-story building, along with a hanging sign bearing the restaurant's “G” mark. The new branding marks a clear transition for one of the village's best-known dining addresses.
Will and Johanna Pendergast are expanding west from Little Gull Cafe, their small restaurant in the former Speonk train station. The cafe has developed a loyal following, and Galley will give the couple a second setting for their hospitality business in the Westhampton area.
As 27East previously reported, the Mill Road building was home to Eckart's Luncheonette for more than 115 years. The Pendergasts had hoped to open Galley by the Fourth of July weekend. That target has passed, and a revised opening date and operating schedule have not been announced.
| Address | 162 Mill Road, Westhampton Beach |
|---|---|
| Operators | Will and Johanna Pendergast |
| Related business | Little Gull Cafe in Speonk |
| Outdoor area | Backyard seating in preparation |
| Opening | No updated date announced |
The backyard is being prepared for outdoor dining
The rear yard behind 162 Mill Road, with picnic tables set among stone paths and artificial turf.
Behind the building, a broad rear yard is being arranged as a casual outdoor dining space. Picnic tables and Adirondack chairs sit among stone paths and sections of artificial turf, creating an area that is largely screened from Mill Road.
The yard gives Galley room to extend beyond the indoor dining room and adds an open-air gathering space to the property. A gravel parking area provides access from the rear.
Hiring is underway ahead of service
A help-wanted notice at the property says Galley is hiring for all positions, with cooks especially sought. The notice advertises competitive pay and flexible hours and directs applicants to info@littlegullcafe.com.
The recruiting push, installed signage and prepared outdoor area show that the restaurant is actively moving toward service, even though its first day has not been confirmed.
The opening will bring a new concept to a familiar address
For generations of residents and visitors, the Mill Road building has been associated with Eckart's Luncheonette. Galley will place a new restaurant inside that familiar setting rather than replacing the property with an entirely different use.
The project also echoes the Pendergasts' work at Little Gull Cafe, where a former railroad station was adapted into a dining destination. At Galley, the recognizable street-facing building remains while a new name, outdoor area and restaurant team prepare for the next chapter.
As a secondary update to the property, the renovated apartment above the restaurant has also been listed for year-round rent.
Out East Marketing created these renderings of what the space might look like, based on photos posted to Galley's official Instagram account. They are not photos of the finished restaurant.
Sources
- 27East, “Little Gull Owners To Open Galley In Former Eckart's Building”
- Galley on Instagram, @galley_on_mill
- Property update posted by Ashley J. Farrell on Instagram