Patchogue Welcomes Its New 'Village Idiot'

The Village Idiot Pub held its recently at its location on 8 E. Main St., the former location of the .

Owner John Sarno, 36, is no stranger to Patchogue; his family's business, , located right next door to the bar, has been a fixture on Main Street for over two decades.

"I embarked on my own endeavor," Sarno said at the ceremony.

Aside from the shop, Sarno has been working as a bartender for the past 10 years and also was working as a physical education teacher in the Bayport-Blue Point School District before opportunities in that field became scarce. For Sarno, opening the bar was a natural progression as a mixologist and sports enthusiast.

The renovation of the space took three weeks to complete and everything in the bar is new. The pub sells a variety of beers, mixed drinks, malt beverages and non-alcoholic options. There are also 13 high definition TVs that will feature all NFL games and other sporting events.

"This is what Patchogue needs — more activity," said William Closson, owner of the .

The kitchen is set to include traditional bar fare such as appetizers, burgers, wings and po' boys, a nickname for a submarine sandwich which is popular in the south.  "People will come here to get a nice drink and meal at affordable prices," he said.

Pat Caroleo, the building's property manager, said "I believe with John Sarno as the operator it will be successful.  He has a dynamic personality; people are drawn to him.  He and the staff he picked will make this business rock.  It's not necessarily what they're serving; it's the atmosphere they provide."

The bar joins several others on Main Street including , , and .

When asked about the bar's quirky name, quick-witted Sarno replied, "Every village needs an idiot."

The official ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by Patchogue Chamber of Commerce Members, local business owners and Councilman Tim Mazzei.