As local shops adjust to coronavirus restrictions, we’re working to keep readers posted about what’s changed. Many businesses are offering online or telephone ordering, and curbside pickup. We ask that you support our local businesses, but also adhere to precautions relating to social distancing.
Here’s how Shelter Island businesses are responding to the rapidly-changing landscape:
Shelter Island ACE Hardware
The hardware store at 4 Grand Avenue in the Heights is open for business, with plenty of supplies to help all residents — whether you’ve been here all along or are newly-arrived on the Island getting ready to hunker down. The shop is full of items to help you clean, make repairs, or work in the garden. As always, the hardware store offers online ordering.
Go to acehardware.com/store-locator and set Shelter Island ACE Hardware as your local store. Then shop for the products you need, add them to your online shopping cart, pay using a credit card or PayPal, and they’ll be ready for you to pick up.
You can also call the store at 631-749-0097.
Shelter Island Pharmacy
Greg Ofrias and Suzanne Fujita say the Shelter Island Pharmacy is expecting to soon restock some items that have been in short supply, like hand sanitizer. The pharmacy, at 19 Grand Avenue, opens 8:30AM daily closing at 6PM Monday to Friday, 5pm Saturday and 1PM Sunday.
Since early last week there’s been a sign on the door asking patrons who may have been exposed to the novel coronavirus (or are showing symptoms of any communicable illness) to call in their order so pharmacy staff can bring it out. Delivery is available for the homebound. The telephone number is 631-749-0445.
(see information about the pharmacy soda fountain below)
Shelter Island IGA
The Shelter Island IGA has been bustling in the past week, with staff working to keep shelves stocked as demand spiked. Shortages of some items may be of longer duration, but other items in short supply one day have been quickly replenished. And the store extended hours to meet demand, staying open from 7AM to 8PM.
[Editor’s note: If you’re shopping at the IGA, remember the store — very much a family business — is staffed for winter hours and does not have the additional workers typically hired in summer to meet in-season demand. This impacts re-stocking, deli service, checkout and more. Please be patient and kind. This, the Island’s only major food store, is a vital lifeline we all must share.]
Follow the IGA on facebook to learn about schedule changes and daily specials available for take-out from the deli counter.
UPDATE: The Town of Shelter Island is asking everyone to reserve the hours of 7 to 9AM at the IGA for senior citizens to shop.
Jack’s True Value Hardware & Marine
Jack’s, at 188 North Ferry Road (next to Volunteer Park at Bridge Street) is another great source for household supplies. Whether you’re a pro or are taking on a DIY project, the shop carries and extensive line of hardware, tools and equipment. It also has a large selection of toys, games, puzzles, and crafting supplies.
Hours are 8AM to 5PM, Monday through Friday, to 6PM Saturday, and 3PM Sunday. Call if you have questions, 631-749-0114.
Restaurants & cafés
New restrictions ordered by the tri-state region’s governors Monday means restaurants and cafés can provide take-out or delivery service only. Here’s what the local eateries have planned:
Shelter Island Pharmacy Soda Fountain
On Monday, the pharmacy’s soda fountain took half the stools in response to guidance to reduce capacity by 50 percent. Starting Tuesday it will adhere to the new take-out only rule. Hours are 8:30AM to 2:30PM Monday to Saturday, 12:30PM on Sundays. The soda fountain will also continue to make boxed dinners available for takeout from 3 to 5PM on Mondays. It may extend the service to other days if there is demand, owner Greg Ofrias said.
Here’s the menu:
There is only one phone line at the pharmacy and it’s also being used by those phoning in prescription orders and the like, so please be patient when trying to call in your soda fountain order, Ofrias said. The telephone number is 631-749-0445.
Stars Café
A favorite part of the morning routine of scores of Islanders is dropping in at Stars Café, 17 Grand Avenue. It will require a phone call first to place your order. Owner Pepe Martinez says the Tex-Mex café will offer the same morning bakery products, kitchen selections and specialty coffee drinks, but for take-out only. Hours are 6AM to 4PM Monday to Saturday and 6AM to 3PM Sunday. The phone number is 631-749-5345. Stars also provides catering service.
Follow this link to the Stars Café menu.
Maria’s Kitchen
Maria Schulteis has posted a sign on the door at Maria’s Kitchen asking patrons not to enter the establishment at 55 North Ferry Road at Jaspa. She’s working to keep her staff and customers safe, she said. The café, with homemade Mexican specialities and yummy smoothies, will remain open, but all orders must be phoned in. The number to call is 631-749-5450.
You can find the menu at mariaskitchenshelterisland.com.
Vine Street Café
You can order take-out from Vine Street Café, 41 South Ferry Road, Thursday through Monday from 5 to 9PM. What’s more, Vine Street is offering free delivery “from ferry to ferry”, says the restaurant’s executive assistant, Maria-Paulis Calloway. And, the Vine Street Market, tucked in the lower level at the back of the building, will be open, too, with ready-to-eat items, as well as things for the pantry and freezer. The number to call is 631-749-3210.
Follow this link to the Vine Street Café menu.
The Islander
You can still rely on The Islander for breakfast, lunch and (sometimes) dinner. The family-friendly, cash-only restaurant opens daily at 7AM and closes at 3PM, except Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays when it is open until 8:30PM. Monday is Burger Night. All menu items will be available for take-out.
Find menus for The Islander at theislandersi.com.
Commander Cody’s Seafood
Fresh back from vacation, Commander Cody’s Seafood, 41 Smith Street, is open again with new hours Wednesday to Sunday, 11AM to 8PM.
At the fish market, service will be provided to one customer at a time. You can call ahead, 631-749-1851, to place your fish order. In the restaurant, the kitchen will open all day for take-out only.
Please do not go to the restaurant to place an order. Phone it in and ask for take-out or home delivery. There will be a $5 fee for home delivery — but it is waived for those age 62 and up.
“Please note the delivery fee goes directly to the driver,” the Haywards said in a notice posted on the shop’s Facebook page.
As always, you can pay by cash or check, but Commander Cody’s does not accept credit cards, e-checks or payment apps.
Follow this link to Commander Cody’s menu.
Fresh oysters
Chris Coyne is offering fresh, local Pee-ko oysters from his home-based shop at 58 North Ferry Road. Please call or text him at 631-408-7281 to reserve yours. They’ll be available, while supplies last, through March 22.
Editor’s Note: We will be adding to this list as information becomes available. If you own a business on Shelter Island, please do send us information on how you’re coping so we can share it with our readers. You can reach us at editor@shelterislandgazette.com, or call/text me at 631-740-4711. Stay well!
