Dang BBQ in Islip to Close After Nearly 8 Years, Seaford Location to Stay Open
Dang BBQ in Islip, a local favorite known for its slow-smoked meats and over-the-top milkshakes, will close its doors on Wednesday, March 5. Owner Anthony Mastro made the emotional announcement today, February 24, 2025, on the restaurant’s Facebook page, reflecting on the journey, challenges, and what’s next for the brand.
Bringing Barbecue to Long Island
Mastro opened Dang BBQ in 2017 to introduce authentic barbecue to his hometown. From appearing on TV with Michael Symon to roasting a pig backstage for Toby Keith, the restaurant quickly became a local staple. In 2020, Dang expanded to Seaford—but just weeks after its grand opening, the pandemic struck, forcing temporary closures and financial strain.
A Community-Focused Fight
Rather than giving up, Mastro pivoted. While his family-run catering business, Marconi Manor, faced shutdowns due to gathering restrictions, Dang BBQ rallied to feed local families and veterans. Despite these efforts, the financial challenges have rendered the Islip location unsustainable.
What’s Next for Dang BBQ?
Although the Islip restaurant is closing, the Seaford location remains open. The team will continue offering catering services, operating food trucks, and honoring gift cards at Seaford or during upcoming food truck events.
A Farewell, Not Goodbye
“For the next week, it will be business as usual as we prepare for our next chapter,” Mastro wrote on Facebook. “I love this community, and we aren’t going away—we’re just turning the page.”
Customers are encouraged to stop by Dang BBQ in Islip before the final day on March 5.
