New Gastropub Opens in Hauppauge's Industrial Park

The Wobbly Olive, a new gastropub, opened its doors in the Hauppauge Industrial Park on May 20.

Co-owners Vincent Manghisi and Vinnie Montenegro together have some experience in the food industry, but are first-time restaurant owners. Their hope is to bring a new dining trend offering classic American comfort foods with an upscale twist to diners, while rearranging their restaurant each evening to create a nightlife that includes life music and a table service.

Patch sat down with Manghisi and Montenegro to ask about their plans are for :

Q: What is your experience in the restaurant industry?

Manghisi: " I started back in the catering industry more than 14 years ago. I've worked all kinds of venues from smaller pubs, then restaurants and worked my way into management."

Manghisi worked as the first bartender at Madison Steakhouse in Hauppauge and also worked at Changing Times in East Northport.

Montenegro: "I'm an investment banker by trade. I've had ownership in multiple businesses in Manhattan and other distributors on Long Island, but this is my first restaurant."

Q: What is a gastropub?

Manghisi: "As our chef says, it's affordable comfort food. It's food you can associate with growing up with a little bit of a twist... I like to pick up on trends before they hit. You are going to hear this word tossed around a lot in the coming months."

Montenegro: "Everything on the menu is less than $20. Our menu is perfect in this kind of economy... We're a restaurant that has a nightlife."

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Q: How did you come up with your name, The Wobbly Olive?

Manghisi: "I came up with the name nearly six years ago, though it was for an entirely different concept. When you hear the word 'olive,' most people assume it's some kind of martini bar, but we didn't want people to feel excluded," he said. "It combines a stuffy upscale feeling with a, 'Hey, come on in' kind of vibe. It's sort of like Hauppauge Cheers if you will."

Q: What kind of atmosphere ae you looking to create?

Manghisi: "We are looking to create a laid back atmosphere for drinking and socializing. There's not many places to go in the area."

Montenegro: "It's for the businessmen in the park, then there is a nightlife strictly for the older crowd in their 30s who are looking for a place to kick back and enjoy themselves."