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Downtown Riverhead

Riverhead, Suffolk bike rental program shuts down after losing sponsor

by Sep 3, 2025
Bethpage Ride, the countywide program that offered bike rentals in downtown Riverhead and at Veterans Memorial Park, stopped operating this year after the company formerly known as Bethpage Federal Credit Union declined to continue its sponsorship.

Goodbye, Papa Nick’s: Riverhead legacy luncheonette closes its doors

by Aug 25, 2025
Star Confectionery, the Riverhead luncheonette known to locals as Papa Nick's, served its last customers on Sunday after more than a century in business. 

Cardboard boat races take place Aug. 9

by Aug 8, 2025
The 2025 Riverhead Cardboard Boat Races take place Saturday, Aug. 9 on the Peconic Riverfront. (Rain date: Sunday, Aug. 10) from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Riverhead will designate Petrocelli ‘qualified and eligible’ for town square project Tuesday

by Jul 31, 2025
The Town Board will vote Tuesday to designate Riverhead town square master developer J. Petrocelli “qualified and eligible,” allowing the company to move forward with the construction of a hotel, public plaza and playground in the center of downtown.

End of an era: Star Confectionery, iconic century-old Riverhead luncheonette, to close next month

by Jul 23, 2025
After more than a century serving up breakfasts, chocolates, and memories, Riverhead’s beloved Star Confectionery — known as “Papa Nick’s” — will close its doors on Aug. 27. Owner Anthony Meras reflects on family, community and a career behind the grill.

Crowd flocks downtown for Alive on 25 ‘block party’ Friday evening

by Jul 19, 2025
Alive on 25 drew throngs of people to downtown Riverhead Friday night to enjoy live music, food, craft beverages, kids' games and activities and even professional wrestling performances, capped off with a fireworks display.

Downtown Riverhead’s Alive on 25 set for July 18, with fireworks

by Jul 10, 2025
Alive on 25, billed as "Riverhead's popular summer block party," is set to take over Main Street and beyond on Friday, July 18, with a special fireworks display on the riverfront after dark.

A sweet new addition to Main Street: Ben & Jerry’s opens Thursday in Riverhead

by Jul 9, 2025
A Ben & Jerry’s scoop shop will open in downtown Riverhead on Thursday at noon, bringing classic and exclusive flavors from the iconic ice cream brand to East Main Street.

Olga’s opens in downtown Riverhead, offering Guatemalan and American classics

by Jun 25, 2025
Olga’s, a new restaurant serving Guatemalan and American classics by a local immigrant family, opened its doors in downtown Riverhead Tuesday. 

Local businesses report downturn due to the climate of fear in Latino community

by Jun 12, 2025
Small businesses in downtown Riverhead that serve the Latino community report steep drops in foot traffic and revenue as immigrant residents increasingly avoid public spaces in a time of high anxiety locally and across the country.