By Bill Parry
A new ponzi scheme is a big hit in Long Island City. The long-anticipated opening of Station LIC finally happened Nov. 17 and several of the 200 customers ordered the Ponzi burger, which you get for free provided you buy the burger for the next diner.
“I had a tear in my eye, the scheme worked to perfection right away,” Station LIC owner Greg Okshteyn said. “Table 11 and table 14 ordered the Ponzi and by the end of the evening their tables were moved together, business cards were exchanged and new friendships were made. The Ponzi created friends and that was the whole idea.”
The first few nights customers filled out comment cards and from the feedback, everyone seemed pleased with the new Long Island City hotspot in a long vacant building that sits atop the Vernon Jackson subway station at 10-37 Jackson Ave.
“People love the atmosphere and while we were slammed for the opening the kitchen and the staff were up to speed 100 percent,” Okshteyn said.
An architect by trade, Okshteyn is the founder of Studios Go, a firm that specializes in designing restaurants. He first fell in love with LIC while living in a loft apartment while in grad school at Columbia University.
One thing he thought the neighborhood was lacking was a good place to hang out.
“There are plenty of good restaurants with great menus, but no place to grab a drink after work and hang out with friends,” he said.
So, 2 1/2 years ago, Okshteyn took over the vacant property that used to be a tavern called Blessinger’s that was made famous in the 1988 Tom Cruise hit “Cocktail.” He set about giving the 2,400-square-foot space the feeling of a 19th-century European rail station complete with antique turn of the century signs and railroad lanterns.
Station LIC was supposed to open last spring but several obstacles were in the way.
“Dealing with municipalities really, permits from the Department of Buildings, there were new codes we had to comply with, a new sprinkler system, even the MTA got involved needing to see where we were digging because we’re right above their station,” Okshteyn said. “But what do you expect when you take over a property that’s been vacant for 12 years. But now that we’re open we’ve forgotten all about the delays already.”
The American-bistro menu is infused with European underpinnings, the Ponzi burger is creating a buzz and his customers are pleased with the aesthetics in both the restaurant and the bar.
“It’s amazing, I’m so pleased,” Okshteyn said. “We worked so hard for so long to make it the best place we could and the response has been overwhelmingly supportive.”
Reach reporter Bill Parry by e-mail at bparry@cnglocal.com or by phone at (718) 260–4538.
