Zach Erdem, a renowned restaurateur and star of HBO Max’s Serving the Hamptons, has filed a $5 million lawsuit against the Village of Greenport and its mayor, Kevin Stuessi. The lawsuit alleges that local officials unlawfully shut down his Mediterranean restaurant, ZErdem, targeting him with ‘bogus’ code violations and harming his business on Long Island.
The Allegations
According to Erdem, the shutdown occurred during one of ZErdem’s opening weekends in June 2023, when officials, led by Mayor Stuessi, abruptly raided the restaurant in the presence of customers. The village issued 24 violations, claiming the establishment was running a hookah lounge, serving alcohol without a license, and violating noise policies. Erdem, however, has called these accusations groundless.
The Turkish-born entrepreneur argued that the violations were discriminatory and that officials failed to provide prior notice, an action he says amounted to a deliberate public spectacle. This ordeal, which lasted over a year, was extensively covered in local media, damaging ZErdem’s reputation and financial performance.
Business Owner Fights Back
Erdem, who operates several high-end properties on Long Island, including Southampton’s iconic dining spot 75 Main, expressed his frustration at the accusations. He emphasized his compliance with all licensing laws, pointing out that a service bar outside ZErdem was mistaken for a functioning bar.
“I’ve been in this business for years. I would never operate without the proper legal permits,” said Erdem in a statement. ZErdem eventually obtained a liquor license in August 2024, but the protracted legal battle caused operational delays, significantly impacting the restaurant’s early seasons.
Behind the Scenes Drama
The lawsuit also accuses Mayor Stuessi of singling out ZErdem while overlooking code violations by other establishments in the area. Allegations of unequal enforcement gained momentum when Bernardo Bolanos, a former Greenport code enforcement officer, filed a separate wrongful termination lawsuit. Bolanos claimed that he was pressured to target Erdem’s businesses unfairly while turning a blind eye to others.
Representatives for Kevin Stuessi and the Village of Greenport have maintained the validity of their claims, calling Erdem’s lawsuit baseless. Their legal team intends to defend against the allegations.
The Bigger Picture
Greenport, a quaint village on the North Fork of Long Island, has emerged as an alternative to the Hamptons for its charm and more relaxed atmosphere. Erdem expressed his wish to peacefully contribute to the community of Greenport without further conflict. “I love Greenport and its people,” said Erdem. “My goal is to be part of this community, serve the residents, and run a successful business.”
The legal battle underscores the challenges faced by entrepreneurs in the restaurant industry, especially in high-stakes regions like the Hamptons. With ZErdem now operating at full capacity and boasting all necessary permits, Erdem continues to expand his ventures while pursuing resolution in court.
Highlight Lifestyle with Mediterranean Dining
As Erdem rebuilds ZErdem’s reputation, the restaurant emphasizes its Mediterranean-inspired menu and refined ambiance. If this story has you craving Mediterranean cuisine, consider recreating the experience at home. Try Blissoma’s Lemongrass Body Crème to channel the spa-like relaxation of dining by the sea.