Easy Commute

Digger’s Owner Lives Literally On Top Of His Restaurant

By Debbie Tuma

For Stephen and Cherie Wirth, life revolves around Riverhead Main Street, where they recently bought the building housing the famous local “Digger’s” restaurant and bar.

“We met, got married, and now live on Main Street here in Riverhead,” said Cherie Wirth, who met her husband Stephen in 1997, when he was bartending at Digger’s Restaurant, and she walked in with her girlfriend one night. They were only the second couple to get married five years ago at Atlantis Marine World Aquarium, which is also located on Main Street in Riverhead, and then they eventually moved to the 3,400 square-foot apartment they now share on the floor above Digger’s.

“I guess you could call us, “Main Street People,” said Cherie Wirth, 30, who was born and raised in Riverhead, where she graduated from Riverhead High School. “We love the convenience of walking downstairs and getting our morning coffee at the nearby café, and the local paper, and also I love to shop or get my hair done right near my home.”

Stephen Wirth, 35, has been a “fixture” at Diggers for many years. “It’s the only job I’ve ever had,” he admits. “I started bartending here after college, and then I became the manager. I love this business, and that’s why I’m still here.”

Wirth, who hails from Romulus, in upstate New York, explained that he studied political science at Cortland State College, and considered a career in industrial labor relations, but he continued to bartend at Digger’s after college. He worked for the first two owners of the former “Digger O’Dell’s” and when the second owner went out of business, Wirth decided to buy the building in October of 2004, and in April of 2005, he bought “Digger’s,” which he renamed “Digger’s Fine Foods and Spirits.”

“This popular restaurant and bar have been here since 1993,” said Wirth. “I decided to keep the name “Digger’s,” because Digger O’Dell was a character from the “Life of Reilly” radio show—he was a friendly undertaker in the show.” Coincidentally, the second floor above Digger’s was formerly occupied by WRCN Radio Station, and then by Love 91.6 Radio Station.

“When we decided to live there, we converted this huge, 19-room space into our living space,” said Cherie Wirth. “It was perfect, because the radio stations had sound-proofed several of the rooms, so now we don’t hear the noise from the bar and restaurant below us.” But she added, “My husband and I are music people, so we really don’t mind hearing some of the music downstairs, when the live bands play here on the weekends. Especially when the bands are good!”

The Wirths also have a three-month old daughter, Avrie Sophia Wirth, and they have been busy making their new apartment comfortable for her. The building which they bought also includes another local bar downstairs, called, “Schuluman’s Pub.”

Stephen Wirth said “Digger’s Fine Food and Spirits” tries to cater to everyone, by serving American cuisine, with fresh seafood, steaks and Irish specialties. His Executive Chef, Rick DeLuca, and his staff, also serve some Thai and French specials, and they cater to the beer and hamburger crowd as well as the healthy salad crowds.
“We have something for everyone. Our menu caters to the tastes of the blue collar workers to the judges and lawyers,” said Stephen Wirth. “We also have a wide selection of about 12 beers on tap, and about 25 bottled beers.” On weekends, they have live bands featuring music from rock to blues and soul, also pleasing a large and varied crowd.

Both Stephen and Cherie said their work and private life on Main Street, Riverhead suits them just fine. “It’s like living in the city, but still living in the country,” said Stephen. “Living upstairs, I’m close to work, and I don’t have to travel very far. And when we get tired of our food, we walk around the corner, to eat Chinese food and pizza.”

Cherie Wirth agreed. “It’s nice to know the other shop owners downtown. Riverhead is a great place. I can’t wait till there are more people living on Main Street. Growing up here over the years, I’ve noticed that I’ve really become more involved in the community here.”