Rumba Owner: Forget the Rumors, We're Staying Open

Despite rumors and a Facebook page called "Save " that has been taken down, David Hersh, owner of the popular waterside spot, said his restaurant will remain open. 

Hersh wrote on Rumba's Facebook Page on Thursday morning, "I know that there has been some activity about Rumba and its efforts to negotiate with the city council to keep our business model. Rumba is not going anywhere. We are OPEN and looking forward to serving our faithful guests. We had to take out a couple of seats, but we are here for the long run. Thanks to all for their support."

Rumba, according to Southampton Councilwoman Bridget Fleming, is currently embroiled in litigation with the town over several issues, including a question as to the seating capacity of the eatery as well as septic loading.

"I can't say too much because it is in litigation," said Fleming, "but there is a real concern about the septic load. I am committed to reducing the impairments of our bays."

Flemming further noted that the Rumba, when it was originally established, was given a certificate of occupancy that allows for 16 seats and 21 patrons. 

Fleming made the statements Wednesday afternoon and when reached on Thursday morning she said she was not aware of anything new in the case and deferred to the town attorney, who could not be immediately reached. 

Hersh, on Wednesday, told Patch that the town has been making it difficult for him to do business. 

"We try to be as responsible as we can. I run a good business. We don't serve underage kids and I have hundreds of e-mails from people in Hampton Bays who say they love Rumba."

Hersh claims that his restaurant has a certificate of occupancy that allows for 16 seats and 108 people and said he has submitted an application to the town's board of zoning appeals to raise his seating capacity to the 60 to 70 range. 

Last summer, the town issued Hersh 10 town code violations including ones related to parking, signs and seating capacity.

Hersh said he has addressed many of the issues by taking down the signs in question and providing bus service to his restaurant as well as a ferry service to and from Rumba from his new restaurant , which is located at the former Indian Cove restaurant. 

"I even close at 10 p.m. I could stay open to 4 a.m," he said. 

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