Business & Tech

Scorpion Grill Owner Hopes to Deliver Something for Everyone

New southwest style restaurant opens in Marshall's Shopping Center.

Entering a location with a lot of turnover in the past few years, with the latest casualty Rocky Point native John Henry hopes his first foray into the restaurant business, Scorpion Grill, can bring some stability to the Marshall's shopping center in Miller Place.

Henry, a former physical therapist who now lives in Port Jefferson, jokes that his first restaurant is a result of a mid-life crisis, which he even considered naming the restaurant.

"My wife quickly talked me out of that," he said. "I’ve been talking about this for years and my wife and my son told me you better either just do it or shut up about it. I said 'you know what? I’m going for it."

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The restaurant rookie has a scrapbook of recipes he's compiled over the years, some of which have helped in the creation of Scorpion Grill's southwest style menu.

"The general theme is southwest, but we’re not a burrito place or a taco bar," he said. "We’re trying to take the southwest concept and make it a little bit broader but without being a big giant menu either."

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While the menu does include tacos, burritos and quesadillas, there are also burgers, tuna dishes, a shrimp po'boy and some more unique options.

While some locals are concerned about the location, the hope is that Scorpion Grill can bring something different to the area, while of course serving good food.

"Every business that opens there goes under, but I wish them luck," Mike Sanchez said on Facebook.

Nancy Sparaco-Yezarski called it a "very nice, clean place. They are nice people, the food is good. I wish them well."

Henry is hoping his menu has something for everyone, and is always open to new ideas.

"Whether you like something spicy or not, everyone should find something they like on the menu," he said. "And if they don’t, I’d hope they’d tell me and I’ll put something on that they like."


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