East Hampton Food Market Honored with 2024 Family-Owned Business Entrepreneur of the Year Award
East Hampton’s Damark’s Market, a third-generation family-owned business, will be celebrated for its enduring legacy and community impact on August 20th. The Stony Brook Small Business Development Center (SBDC) has announced that the 2024 New York SBDC Family-Owned Business Entrepreneur of the Year award will be presented to the market’s owners, Bruce and Michiko Damark, in a ceremony held at their East Hampton location.
Established in 1949 as Damark’s Deli by Joe and Mary Damark, the market has been a staple in the Springs community for over 70 years. What began as a small deli has evolved into a cornerstone of East Hampton, cherished by locals and visitors alike. The Damark family’s commitment to providing quality products and a welcoming environment has been a consistent thread through the decades.
In October 2017, Bruce and Michiko modernized the market by demolishing the original store and constructing a new, contemporary building. The new Damark’s Market, which reopened in December 2018, features a modern Greek Revival exterior and an inviting, open market space designed to enhance the shopping and dining experience.
The journey to this transformation was not without its hurdles. The construction faced delays, including a significant setback when a contractor’s faulty work caused water leakage in the basement. However, with the assistance of the Stony Brook SBDC, the Damarks were able to overcome these challenges. Referred by New York State Assembly Representative Fred Thiele Jr., the couple worked closely with SBDC Business Advisor Willa Smith, who guided them through securing new financing and addressing construction issues.
The award ceremony, set to take place at 2 pm at Damark’s Market (331 County Road 40, East Hampton), will recognize the market’s resilience and the Damark family’s dedication to their community. Sonya Smith, the statewide director of the New York SBDC, will present the award.
