Dockers Waterside Reopens on Dune Road Just 29 Days After Devastating Fire

The beloved East Quogue waterfront restaurant welcomed guests back less than a month after a May 20 fire, thanks to an around-the-clock recovery effort and overwhelming community support.

A beloved Dune Road destination is back in business.

Dockers Waterside in East Quogue has officially reopened less than a month after a devastating fire damaged part of the restaurant just days before Memorial Day weekend, marking a remarkable turnaround for one of the area’s longtime waterfront gathering spots.

Dockers Waterside in E. Quogue has re-opened. Photo courtesy of Larry Hoffman

The fire broke out on May 20, causing significant damage to the roof structure above the kitchen and filling portions of the restaurant with smoke and soot. Despite the extent of the damage, no injuries were reported.

Dockers Waterside fire in East Quogue, May 20, 2026. Photo by Chris Heeley for Spark Hamptons

For owner Larry Hoffman, the reopening 29 days later is a testament to the dedication of countless workers, employees, first responders, and community members who rallied behind the restaurant.

“What followed was an extraordinary display of determination, teamwork, and community spirit,” Hoffman said.

Dockers Waterside in E. Quogue has re-opened. Photo courtesy of Larry Hoffman

While the fire impacted critical parts of the building, much of Dockers’ outdoor dining areas were spared and required little more than extensive cleaning and power washing.

In the weeks that followed, restoration crews worked alongside contractors, electricians, plumbers, painters, and other tradespeople to bring the restaurant back to life in time for the summer season.

“Their efforts, combined with the unwavering dedication of Dockers employees and members of the community, made what many believed impossible a reality,” Hoffman said. “There was no job too small and no task too large. Everyone simply put their heads down and went to work.”

The rapid reopening surprised many who questioned whether the restaurant could return so quickly after the blaze.

“I am no miracle worker,” Hoffman said. “I simply had the privilege of coordinating the true heroes of this story. The remarkable men and women who showed up every day, often before sunrise and long after sunset, are the reason we’re back. Their dedication, hard work, and belief in Dockers never wavered.”

Dockers is located at 94 Dune Rd, East Quogue

Angela LaGreca

Editor, Co-Founder/Publisher

Angela LaGreca, Editor-in-chief and co-Founder/Publisher of Spark Hamptons, is a four-time Emmy Award-winning journalist, producer, writer and comedian/host. Her TV credits include NBC’s “Today,” ABC’s “The View,” and, most recently, the primetime cable news program “Cuomo” on NewsNation. On the East End, she was the Creative Director at LTV, VP Features/Events/Photo Editor at Dan’s Papers, and has performed at Guild Hall, Bay Street Theater and the WHBPAC. Her publishing career began at Modern Photography, where she was managing editor. LaGreca lives in Manhattan and East Hampton and can be reached at angelatvmedia@gmail.com and angela@sparkhamptons.com .