Legends Restaurant Celebrates 20 Years; Gives Back to Help Animals

One of the North Fork's most beloved spots is celebrating a milestone – and in honor of 20 years in business, they're asking patrons to help give back to animals in need.

Legends Restaurant, which opened originally on Dec. 31, 1993, has chosen to celebrate its 20 year anniversary by teaming up with the North Fork Animal Welfare League to raise funds.

Patrons are asked to share their stories of Legends over the years by sending their "Why Legends is a Legend to Me" story on a Facebook page.  Legends will donate $2 per story for the first 300 stories submitted.

"Like" Legends on Facebook by clicking here and Legends will double the donation as they reach 1,500 "likes".

In addition, if fans of the eatery buy a Legends 20th anniversary mug, half of the sales price goes to the North Fork Animal Welfare League.

Since 1993, Dennis and Diane Harkoff, husband and wife of nearly 39 years, have cultivated a legion of loyal customers at their restaurant in New Suffolk. They’ve built up the business formerly known as Bonnie’s By the Bay into a true destination for locals and visitors from all walks of life.

“We always wanted Legends to be a community place for people to see their neighbors and catch up with their friends,” Diane Harkoff has said. “Just like the Irish pubs in the old country.”

The Harkoffs reopened for business in 2012 with a after a harsh winter destroyed parts of their rooftop. That same year, they were chosen as grand marshals of the Cutchogue St. Patrick's Day parade. 

Before opening Legends, Diane Harkoff worked in the cargo end of the airline industry for KLM and traveled the world. 

"We had the idea of incorporating food from all around the world at Legends, and Dennis had the concept of the beers and the sports bar," she said. "We always wanted Legends to be a community place for people to see their neighbors and catch up with their friends — just like the Irish pubs in the old country."