The owner of a beloved bar in Nantucket harbor is being forced to shut down after decades in business, following his landlords' refusal to extend the lease. Luke Tedeschi began working at The Tavern & Gazebo at just 26 years old in 1993 and worked his way up to becoming the sole owner by 2022. His iconic waterside bar has drawn locals for 34 years with popular drinks, including mudslides—a vodka-spiked chocolate beverage.
Tedeschi told the Nantucket Current that Steve Karp's Nantucket Island Resorts (NIR), which owns the bar site, declined to offer him an extension this year. 'You know, that's the way term leases are, but after all these years, I brought the mudslide to the Gazebo back in 1993, and this will be the last year of my formula and my mudslide as we've all got to know it, to enjoy it, and it's become iconic,' he said.
The Gazebo began hanging a small banner at the start of the season in early May that reads 'Last Year Of The Gazebo Mudslide 1993-2026.' Nantucket residents have vented their fury online, including Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy, who said the situation 'sucks.' One resident wrote: 'If we're trying to keep the authenticity of Nantucket, kicking out Luke & the Tavern/Gazebo is the opposite of what you should be doing, NIR.' Another added: 'This is DISGUSTING. Shame on your NIR!' A third said: 'All my homies hate Steve Karp & NIR.'
Henry Wyner, director of retail at NIR, gave a statement to the Current regarding the decision not to offer Tedeschi a new lease. 'While we cannot comment on the specifics of any lease agreements, we are always thoughtful about cultivating a mix of restaurants and retailers that best serve the local community and its visitors,' wrote Wyner. 'We recognize the important role longstanding and newer establishments alike play in the character of the island, and our priority is to support an experience that feels authentic and reflective of the community.'
Tedeschi said he was hoping to secure a five-year extension to keep the business running through his mid-60s. 'I wanted to have a five-year plan for myself, but that was shortened rather abruptly. The fact of the matter is, if I'd gotten five more years and I ran it myself, that was what I would have liked to have seen.' He added, 'I always thought about how I could bring on a partner or partnerships or at least have something of value to head into retirement for, but again, as life is, things get often abruptly announced, and you don't have a say in where tomorrow's going to bring us.'
Tedeschi told the outlet that leaving the Gazebo stings, but he is not sulking as he understands it's just business. He has no regrets and hopes customers come in to enjoy his mudslides for one last summer. 'It's been a good, long ride and I just appreciate all of the support that I've gotten over the years, and even the support that I know is out there right now. But everything's going to be alright. Thanks to the folks that have been interested in what the story is, and it's been a good ride. I'm glad we've made some memories, the mudslide and Gazebo memories, and the Tavern.'
The Daily Mail has reached out to Nantucket Island Resorts for comment.
