A NEW ERA BEGINS FOR SWAN CLUB ON THE HARBOR
Local restaurateurs acquire North Shore landmark,
and restore it to “Gold Coast Perfection”
Swan Club On The Harbor, the storied entertainment venue overlooking Roslyn Harbor, was purchased by John, Thomas and Louis Tiglias, brothers and successful area restaurateurs with deep roots in this North Shore community, in 2018.
Well-known for its immaculately-groomed grounds and breathtaking views of the Harbor, Swan Club On The Harbor stands out as one of the North Shore’s most distinctive settings for weddings, as well as all sorts of other social and corporate events. Located on the grounds of an estate dating back to the 1600s, the Club occupies a century-old mansion constructed by Arthur Williams, a co-founder of Con Edison. Converted to a restaurant in 1946, it has since served as the site for four generations of family celebrations, renowned for its more than seven acres of lushly-landscaped gardens, including four bridges, two ponds – and of course, a bevy of the eponymous swans in residence.
When this famed property came onto the market, the Tiglias leapt at the chance to expand their family-owned business, which has operated the iconic Landmark Diner on Northern Boulevard since 1983. Over the years, the brothers have transformed the concept of “diner” cuisine: they moved the Landmark into an eye-catching two-story space (the only double-decker diner in the country, according to Lou Tiglias), and in a field better known for short-order cooks, they hired an executive chef to take their kitchen in a more contemporary, and more sophisticated direction. Their innovations earned rave reviews from food writers at The New York Times and Newsday, and in recent years also attracted a growing demand for off-site catering. As their 35th anniversary in business approached, the Tiglias saw an opportunity to bring the Swan Club back to what might be termed “Landmark status.”
“Swan Club On The Harbor is such a special property, and deserves to be treasured,” said Lou Tiglias. “After three decades as part of this community, my brothers and I are proud to restore this legendary place to its full Gold Coast glory – and to share it with our friends and neighbors here.”
Their plans for Swan Club included raising the roof of the Club’s main ballroom, to create a more light-filled, elevated space that will accommodate up to 300 guests. The ballroom was renovated and redecorated in a more contemporary and upscale style, as have the venue’s other three ballrooms, indoor chapel, newly-configured lobby, spacious bridal suites and brand new rest rooms.
“We pay homage the Club’s incredible heritage, preserving all of its charm – but also giving it fresh appeal for new generations,” Tiglias explained. Among the improvements are advanced LED lighting systems, flat panel televisions and broadcast quality audio-visual capabilities that will enhance the Club’s appeal for corporate entertainment as well as social events.
For all the improvements just completed, the Tiglias say that there are some things that won’t change, including the one-of-a-kind gardens and Swan Club’s priceless waterfront views. “Even in an area with all the natural beauty you can find on the North Shore, there are few sights as moving as sunset over the harbor here,” said Lou Tiglias. “When you’re lucky enough to be entrusted with a place as magical as the Swan Club, you don’t mess with perfection.”