Meet the Owner: Kasey's Kitchen and Cocktails

Thirteen years ago Tommy McNicholas opened the doors of in his hometown of Rockville Centre and has experienced nothing but success ever since.

"I always thought that this was a great town to own an restaurant. It is just a great restaurant destination spot," said McNicholas, who recently celebrated his successes with fellow owner, Merrick resident, Anthony Geraci, by opening Kasey's rooftop bar — — last July.

While patrons can dine on some of Kasey's best selling seafood delicacies including crab cake and lobster risotto, fish tacos and various steak dishes downstairs, older clientele experience a completely different palate on the second floor. 

"Rooftop 32 is an upscale dining venue. We've hired an executive chef for the roof. We offer American cuisine with a flare and we do daily specials," he said.

Different From the Rest

While Kasey's has generated a generous amount of business over the past 13 years, McNicholas said he's worked hard to become economically resilient during the current economic crisis. 

Two years ago, the restaurateurs made the decision to sell their catering hall, Madison Hall, in order to incorporate budget-conscience catering into their restaurant which they said has helped them tremendously. 

"We took that catering concept and put it all under one roof and with that we did a total renovation. We have different pricing for all different economies. We even do weddings here," he said.

A Place Where Everybody Knows Your Name

Despite families struggling financially, McNicholas said he hasn't had an issue keeping customers.

"I think people are going out. They still want to relax and go to the movies, and have a good meal and budget it the right way," he said. 

With a friendly atmosphere, dancing and live music every weekend, this is place where he said customers become more than just patrons, they become family.

"We almost call it the "Cheers" of Rockville Centre because you're only a stranger once. Once you come in, we greet you and we treat you like you're like a regular and we hope that you come back and enjoy yourself every time," he said. 

Here for the Long Haul

Even after a fairly new renovation, McNicholas said he is always on the look out for new properties, divulging that a second Kasey's Kitchen and Cocktails could one day make its way to the North Shore of Long Island. 

Despite considerations of expanding their business empire, the restaurant duo say they can see themselves serving Rockville Centre long term.

"I think that the town in general, is a great town. It has become more vibrant over the past 10 years. This is something that eventually even my children might want to get involved in," he said.