MacArthur Park has been serving generations of families in Rockville Centre for 40 years.
Owner Tom Mahoney Sr. grew up in the restaurant business, working his way up through the kitchen to the front of the house, as owner of the business his father started.
“I was born into the business,” Mahoney said. “I’ve been working in the restaurant business since I was 13, so it’s all I know.”
Located on the corner of Maple Avenue and Park Avenue, MacArthur Park serves as a restaurant, bar and catering hall featuring two private party rooms.
“From the outside, we look like a small corner bar,” Mahoney said. “You don’t realize that there are four rooms and that we have seating for almost 400 people in the building.”
Over the course of its 40 years in business, MacArthur Park has seen much change. Originally, the restaurant served primarily as a bar, but eventually expanded into the restaurant/catering business that it is today.
The menu has also seen a number of changes over the years, but many classics still remain from the early days of the restaurant, particularly the burgers and steak tidbits.
“Those are our two biggest sellers and they have been on the menu since the day we opened the doors,” Mahoney said.
Customers should be happy to hear that MacArthur Park runs specials every day of the week. Among the deals that they offer are prefixed menus, lobster nights and seasonal and early bird specials. The restaurant just launched its Oktoberfest menu, which will run until Halloween.
Mahoney credits the loyalty of the people of Rockville Centre for MacArthur Park’s success.
“I have some customers that have been coming here for 30 years,” Mahoney said. “Just generations of families keep coming back, especially for the catering.”
“I've done people’s christenings, communions and graduations all for the same person,” Mahoney added.
MacArthur Park takes part in a number of community events. The restaurant has hosted fundraisers for the village’s schools and sports leagues and has also been involved with golf outings for village organizations, such as the fire department.
MacArthur Park also serves as the main sponsor every year for the chamber of commerce’s "Taste of Elegance" event.
“We sponsor a lot of things,” Mahoney said. “People come in here and know that we support the village.”
40 Years in Rockville Centre
To celebrate its 40th anniversary, MacArthur Park will be holding an anniversary party open to everyone on Oct. 7, at 4 p.m. The party will feature a complimentary buffet and live music by Witch’s Brew.
