Still Partners, a cornerstone of Sea Cliff’s downtown, has been serving up classic American fare and live music since 2013. Owned by Dan Roth and Ray Capone, this Sea Cliff Avenue gastropub is more than just a restaurant; it’s a community hub renowned for its welcoming atmosphere, diverse drink menu, and, most notably, its support for local musicians. This dedication to live music, however, became a vulnerability when the coronavirus pandemic struck, forcing Still Partners to adapt to restrictions that severely impacted its revenue.
To ensure Still Partners Sea Cliff could weather the storm, local residents rallied together, organizing a live-streamed fundraiser on August 12th. The event, hosted in Roth’s living room, featured five musical acts and aimed to raise crucial funds through a GoFundMe page. The outpouring of support was remarkable; by Wednesday morning following the event, the community had donated over $56,000, demonstrating just how much Still Partners means to Sea Cliff.
Roth explained the challenges the restaurant faced, stating that the shift to takeout and limited seating was particularly difficult because live concerts were a primary source of income. “It’s been really hard to make ends meet,” Roth admitted. “Basically, since St. Patrick’s Day we haven’t been able to pay ourselves or pay rent.” The funds raised are vital for Still Partners to cover outstanding expenses and navigate these challenging times.
The fundraiser livestream was a collaborative effort. Capone himself operated one of the cameras capturing the performances in Roth’s home, while Ian Busching of Dig Down Media managed the technical aspects of the livestream. The success of the event is a testament to the community’s dedication and the seamless teamwork behind the scenes.
Jennifer DeSane, a Sea Cliff resident and the fundraiser’s organizer, emphasized the deep connection she and others feel with Still Partners. Despite spending 15 years away from her hometown after college, she rediscovered Sea Cliff two and a half years ago and found a home at Still Partners. For DeSane, the staff are like family. “A lot of the fun things in my life happened because of Dan and Kathleen [Di-Resta, Roth’s wife], so it was important to me to help them and give back to them,” DeSane shared. “I genuinely love everyone who works there. They’re all consistently giving back to this community in countless ways, and I just feel that it was important that we all step up for them now.”
Jaime Teich, another resident, played a crucial role in promoting the fundraiser. Her involvement began when she reached out to Roth to partner Still Partners with her pandemic aid project, Love Your Neighbor, to distribute masks and hand sanitizer. During their conversation, Roth revealed the precarious financial situation of the restaurant, prompting Teich to shift her focus to fundraising. The thought of Sea Cliff without Still Partners was, for Teich, simply unacceptable.
Teich expressed her joy at the fundraiser’s success. “I thought it was awesome,” she said, highlighting the dedication of the organizers who balanced work and family commitments to make it happen. “I think the community really showed up and stood up for Still Partners and what they represent in the community. I think it was awesome.” The rapid mobilization and widespread participation underscored the vital role Still Partners holds in the social fabric of Sea Cliff.
The three-hour fundraiser featured performances from The Allmost Brothers, Antigone Rising, The Other Shoe, Dave Diamond Band, and a set by Andy Aledort and Mike DiMeo. Aledort, a Sea Cliff resident since 1992, described Still Partners as a beloved institution. He has a personal connection with Roth, having performed with him musically on several occasions.
“The fundraiser not only was something that was really needed for [Still Partners] and well-embraced by all the musicians,” Aledort noted, emphasizing the broader impact. “Even more important, it was well-embraced by the community.” In a time when many establishments are struggling or closing, the community’s effort to protect Still Partners sea cliff is particularly meaningful.
Aledort acknowledged the ongoing difficulties for restaurants and bars on Long Island and expressed his pride in contributing to the effort to save a defining Sea Cliff business. “It’s going to be a tough road,” he said, “but we’re all really hoping Still Partners is here to stay.” His sentiment reflects the collective hope of the Sea Cliff community.
Roth and Capone were deeply moved by the community’s overwhelming support. Capone, noting that many GoFundMe donors were unfamiliar names, found the generosity profoundly humbling. Roth echoed this sentiment. “As a restaurant owner during this time, you kind of just feel like you’re doing everything wrong because you can’t make ends meet,” Roth confessed. “And just to have everybody [support us] is really amazing and a testament to what we do. People like what we do, and they don’t want to see us go… We are blessed to have such support.” The success of the fundraiser reaffirms the value of Still Partners to Sea Cliff and highlights the power of community in preserving local treasures.
Donations to support Still Partners are still welcome and can be made at www.gofundme.com/f/save-still-partners.
