Thatched Cottage Seeks Bankruptcy Protection

The Thatched Cottage is seeking bankrupty protection, citing unrecouped losses stemming from storms in the last two years.

The Centerport catering facility, which has been in business for 26 years, has served as the waterfront setting for numerous local organizations events, from the Huntington Republican Committee to Huntington Hospital's Bash on the Bay to the local chapter of the NAACP.

Losses from damaged caused by Hurricane Irene in 2011 and Superstorm Sandy in 2012 total in the millions, the restaurant said, while FEMA loans and insurance reimbursements have not been resolved. 

The restaurant at 445 East Main St., filed under Chapter 11 to remain open while it restructures.

“While
 we 
worked 
tirelessly 
to
 repair
 the 
damage 
from 
these 
devastating
 storms,
our 
first 
priority 
was 
always 
to 
continue 
creating 
memorable 
events 
for 
our
 clients,”
 owner Ralph 
Colamussi
 said. 
“Seeking
 protection 
under 
Chapter
11
 will
allow
 Thatched 
Cottage
 Caterers 
to 
deliver
 on
 parties
 already
 booked,
 and
continue
 to
 plan 
events 
for 
future 
dates. 
Our 
objective 
is
 to 
continue
 to 
create
amazing 
events
 with
 no 
interruption
 to
 any
new
 or
 scheduled 
events." 

Attorney Avrum Rosen said the business was granted approval Monday in U.S. Bankruptcy Court to continue operating. He said he anticipates filing a plan to come out of the bankruptcy protection within the next 90 to 120 days. "People should not be nervous;  we're in the process of obtaining insurance proceeds that were slowed down for a whole bunch of reasons," he said. "We're open, we're operating." 

He said those with events scheduled at the facility should call 631-261-1900 for questions.