Sagaponack, a Hamptons hamlet known for its affluent residents and quiet ambiance, is grappling with disruptions caused by the viral popularity of the Sagaponack General Store. The grocery store, owned by Mindy Gray, wife of Blackstone president and COO Jon Gray, has become a celebrity hotspot and a social media sensation, leading to traffic jams, noise complaints, and safety concerns among locals.
At a recent village board meeting on July 15, residents voiced their frustrations. One described the situation as "wild" and "unsafe," with another expressing fear about crossing the street in front of the store due to the crowds. Concerns were also raised about children biking to the beach amidst the throngs of people seeking artisanal food items.
The Sagaponack General Store, purchased by Gray in 2020 for a reported $3.8 million, has gained significant traction, particularly over the past year. Lines frequently spill into the street on summer weekends, and TikTok videos showcasing breakfast burritos, ice cream, and matcha drinks have drawn large numbers of visitors.
"It's become viral . . . people are sitting out back and taking pictures of their food," a source familiar with the situation stated. "Things that would annoy any neighbor, but especially wealthy neighbors that want peace and quiet." The source acknowledged the store's quality, adding, "They do have a killer egg sandwich. They're not bad operators. It's a victim of its own popularity."
Adding to the congestion is the Post Office located within the General Store, which has recently added more P.O. boxes. This has, according to some, contributed to the chaotic environment.
Sagaponack, which lacks its own police force, is working with the Southampton police department, the municipality it falls under, to address the situation. Mayor Bill Tillotson confirmed that the village intends to discuss enforcement measures with Southampton police to maintain control and ensure public safety.
"There is a lot of foot traffic going behind cars that is dangerous," Tillotson said, noting that the village is exploring ways to create more sidewalk space. He also pointed to the broader trend of increased traffic in the Hamptons, with more people using back roads, which funnels through Sagaponack and past the General Store.
Tillotson expressed confidence that the issue would be resolved by the following year, stating, "It's the Hamptons: we are packed this time of year. It's compound problems and this is a pinch point."
Mindy Gray acknowledged the traffic issues in a previous statement, saying, "I have been blown away by the community's support for the General Store, but recognize its popularity has created some unexpected traffic issues." She added, "I know it's not perfect right now and we are actively working with the Village to make it better."