It’s war in the Hamptons as Montauk locals rally against Cali hotelier over Surf Lodge rival
Montauk locals are opposing the construction of Este, a new restaurant by California hotelier Marley Dominguez, fearing it will become a nightclub. The controversy arose after leaked documents suggested plans for a larger venue than initially approved. Dominguez defends the project, claiming the concerns are fueled by competitors worried about their business.
- ▪Locals are petitioning against Este, claiming it was misrepresented as a casual restaurant.
- ▪The planning board approved Este as a 39-seat restaurant, but leaked documents suggest it could accommodate up to 450 people.
- ▪Marley Dominguez argues that occupancy numbers differ from formal seating and insists the venue will not operate as a nightclub.
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Food & Drink It’s war in the Hamptons as Montauk locals rally against Cali hotelier over Surf Lodge rival By Jeanette Settembre Published June 4, 2026, 2:39 p.m. ET See more of our coverage in your search results. Add The New York Post on Google A California hotelier is riding a wave of backlash in Montauk. Locals are petitioning the East Hampton Town Planning Board to stop construction of Este, a two-story restaurant with rooftop access, claiming developers pulled a bait-and-switch — submitting permit approvals for a “casual restaurant” they fear will turn into a rowdy nightclub. “Este restaurant was approved as a 39-seat cafe with 12 parking spaces.
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