Owner Cites Sandy Losses, Economy as Reasons Potter's Pub Will Shutter

After serving the East Meadow community for 41 years, Potter's Pub will close its doors for good on Saturday evening.

Mike Amitrano, who has been the owner of the bar and eatery for 23 years, said that closing the business was one of the hardest choices he had to make.

"This has been a part of my life for a long time," he said. "This was not an easy decision."

Amitrano told the community that the eatery was closing in a Facebook announcement on Monday night.

The post read:

We're not happy campers :-( After 41 years of serving the East Meadow community we will be turning our lights off forever on Sat night. We want to thank everyone who has always supported us. We will sadly miss you all. Thanks for our 23 years.

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Amitrano cited "the economy" as the reason for the closure and said that after Hurricane Sandy he lost money in damaged products and equipment.

"That was the final factor," he said. "The insurance still did not come through."

Potter's Pub joins Hooters and Zorns as East Meadow mainstays that have shuttereed along Hempstead Turnpike in less that six months.

However, Amitrano said that he is in negotiations with parties that are interested in buying the business.

"Hopefully it will reopen soon," he said. "I hope they keep the name."

Nearby business owners said that they were upset to see Potter's close.

"It's very sad," Jonathan Aronson, owner of Mille Grazie Pizzeria said. "Mike is a really nice guy and it's sad to see someone go when it is not their choice."

Amitrano said that he will cherish all of the memories he had at the bar. He met Joyce, his wife of 14 years, at Potter's.

"There were so many good times here," he said.

He had a message for the East Meadow community:

"Thanks for all the great memories and being supportive," he said. "This is tough."