The ultra-exclusive Devon Yacht Club in Amagansett, New York, was forced to cancel its members-only restaurant service for several days this week due to visa issues affecting its kitchen staff. The club informed its members via a letter on Wednesday that dinner service for that evening was canceled, and food service would also be suspended on Thursday.
Service was expected to resume on Friday with a limited menu. The letter cited the unresolved H2B visa approval for the cooks, stating that an oversight by the petitioning agent or attorney, or potentially the U.S. Immigration Office, resulted in the staff being required to leave the country. They must return to their home countries for at least 60 days before their visas can be renewed.
"Needless to say, this is causing consternation not only for our Club management and its Members, but also for our hard working staff," the notice stated, according to The Post. On Thursday, the club offered members a limited selection of bar bites.
Devon Yacht Club, founded in 1908 by the Procter and Lever families, reportedly charges around $100,000 in initiation fees. Its membership has included prominent figures, and its location in tony Devon Colony has been home to celebrities and billionaires. The club is known for its exclusivity and is popular among those involved in yachting.
The club did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Officials from the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the East Hampton Town Police Department also did not immediately respond to inquiries.
In recent months, the yacht club has experienced internal turmoil regarding plans for its future, including a controversial multimillion-dollar redevelopment project. This internal conflict has led to expelled members, lawsuits, and public disputes among the membership.