Momo's Sports Bar closing after 16 years

A Suffolk County staple known for its dry rub wings is closing in December after more than 16 years in Holbrook. Momo's Sports Bar and Grill, owned by husband-and-wife team Rich and Tracey Comunale, is changing hands next month as the Comunales transfer their lease to a new owner who plans to change the eatery's name and concept. The couple's other venue, Momo's Too in Bayport, will remain open. 

Rich said the couple decided to close the original location because the numbers just aren't what they should be and they thought it was time to move on to a new project. 

"We want to be the next Chip and Joanna of Long Island," he said, referring to the popular home renovation show "Fixer Upper" with Chip and Joanna Gaines. Rich said he and Tracey are trying to get into the property investing, flipping and interior design business. But they're also keeping their second location, Momo's Too, because they need an income. 

The Holbrook location's last day hasn't been determined, but the venue hosted an all-day goodbye party Saturday, with singer Tony Sidito from 2 to 5 p.m., followed by a DJ from 8 p.m. to around midnight, with the bar closing at 1 a.m.

"It’s very bittersweet. I’m very proud of the 16½ years," he said.

Rich said the bar provided a stable income for his family over the past decade and a half, and that he wouldn't have been able to afford to buy a house without it. He also met Tracey when she was a server at Momo's Too, then-called The Garage. The two eventually purchased the space and brought it full circle, he said. 

"I owe my life to Momo's," he said. "It gave me everything."

By Andi Berlin

andi.berlin@newsday.com

Andi Berlin is from Arizona and does not know where she is going. But when she gets there, she’ll find something beautiful and delicious that the world needs to taste.