An upscale Commack steakhouse has closed its doors for good, becoming the next vacant building along Veterans Memorial Highway.
Grill 454's doors were locked on Jan. 1, after saying goodbye to its loyal patrons at its last New Year's Eve party. The steakhouse was in business for slightly more than a year.
The steakhouse owners announced the restaurant's closing on their Facebook page:
We are sorry to announce that New Year's Eve is going to be Grill 454's last night open. But, we hope you can all join us for our New Year's Eve celebration! We are offering a buffet and midnight champagne toast for $40. DJ Joey will also be there heating up the dance floor!
Patrons and local residents reacted to the owner's message with shock, asking if the steakhouse was closing for renovation. The restaurant owners confirmed Grill 454's closure would be permanent.
Owner Lenny Passaerelli could not be reached for comment about the restaurant's closing.
Patch readers gave Grill 454 mixed reviews, 4 positive experiences versus three negative, between May 3 - Dec. 28, 2012.
Grill 454 opened in the King Kullen Shopping Center off Veterans Memorial Highway in December 2011. It took over the restaurant vacated by Charlie Brown Steakhouse, who had previously closed in November 2010 after filing for bankruptcy.
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After a while, as it continued to remain open, I began to wonder whether it was (a) crowded during times I wasn't there or (b) some kind of front or money-laundering deal. Apparently it was neither, and turned out as I predicted: a too-expensive steakhouse that didn't do enough to justify either its prices or large footprint. Oh well. I'll miss the burgers.
Sorry to see them go; I wish them luck somehwere else.