The Right Fork Diner, a beloved, bite-sized restaurant overlooking the Katama Airfield, will not reopen this season after 15 summers in business, owner Jamie Langley confirmed Tuesday.
Ms. Langley said that she did not intend to submit a lease bid after the town issued a Request for Proposals for the airfield restaurant space earlier this winter. The town owns the Katama Airfield and leases the restaurant building, while the Katama Airfield Commission acts as landlord.
Reached by phone Tuesday afternoon, Ms. Langley confirmed the decision not to renew her lease.
“I’m not placing a bid,” said Ms. Langley. “It was not an easy decision to make.”
Nestled beside the Katama Airfield, the quaint diner is best known for offering breakfast and a show, with piles of pancakes and steaming cups of coffee served each season to a backdrop of biplanes lifting off and landing at the historic airfield.
Ms. Langley opened the diner in 2005 at the request of friend and former airfield manager Michael Creato. In the 15 years since, it has evolved from a casual eatery — and a part-time gig for Ms. Langley — into a full-time seasonal restaurant.
Ms. Langley said the recent decision not to bid on the RFP came partially as the result of business calculations after her three-year lease was set to expire earlier this year. The rate was $50,000 per year.
In a Nov. 13 letter to the Katama Airfield Commission, Ms. Langley wrote that she would not extend her lease beyond its February termination date, instead requesting the town issue an RFP for a new lease that included several capital improvements to the one-story restaurant. Ms. Langley requested the town repair chimney leaks, replace the roof and install a long-sought basement for storage.
“The purpose of this letter is also to outline my desired terms and conditions for the new lease which will enable me to continue to grow the business at the Right Fork Diner premises for years to come,” Ms. Langley wrote.
In December, the airfield commission sent Ms. Langley a letter saying they would not provide consent to extend the terms of the lease beyond its expiration, and would issue a new RFP in early 2021, taking her comments under consideration.
The town put a new RFP out to bid for the space in March. The terms of the RFP were a seven-year lease, with the option to extend for two, three-year periods. The minimum annual lease payment would start at $40,000, and increase to more than $50,000, with incentives for higher bids. Bids for the RFP were due Wednesday at 2 p.m., and will be awarded to the “most advantageous” proposal at the Edgartown selectmen’s April 19 meeting.
According to town administrator James Hagerty, there has been substantial interest in the space. One of the lease requirements is that the restaurant provide special consideration to patrons who arrive by aircraft, as well as pilots.
Reached by phone Wednesday afternoon, Mr. Hagerty said that bids were submitted for the RFP from individuals connected to Little House Cafe, the Edgartown Diner and Backyard Taco. The airfield commission is scheduled to discuss the bids at their 9 a.m. meeting Thursday morning.
Ms. Langley cited deteriorating communication and disagreement regarding the town’s lease priorities, as well as frustrations over lack of a Covid relief on rent, as partial factors in her decision not to bid.
“I ran the numbers again with what they had proposed…and it just wasn’t something that would work for me as a business model,” said Ms. Langley.
The airfield’s small restaurant space, which has taken many forms over the years, has a long and eclectic history.
For years, Mr. Creato and his brother ran a snack shack in the space — a childhood landmark for many Islanders. When the town bought the property in 1983, then-airfield manager Roy Nutting and his wife, Mel, opened Mel’s Diner. Years later, Ms. Langley took over operations.
The restaurant has become a favorite in the hearts of Islanders and summer visitors.
“It’s exciting to open up and know [you’ll see] these families that come each and every year,” said Ms. Langley. “It was just a really wonderful circle of life thing…feeding [people] and making them happy.”
Although Ms. Langely will be leaving the right fork behind, the closure does not mark the end of the Right Fork Diner, she said, noting her current search for alternate restaurant spaces in Edgartown and around the Island. As for this summer, Ms. Langley said she plans to run a grab-and-go version of the diner at a market space next to the Kelley House, and offer catering and aviation catering.
Reflecting on the business over the past decade and a half, Ms. Langley singled out her staff for their help over the years. “I’ve been so fortunate to have such a great Right Fork family…I’ve had exceptional people helping me along the way,” she said.
Concluding on a bitter-sweet note, she thanked the community for their support.
“I will miss seeing the families that became so much a part of our lives,” she said. “It’s hard to think that I’m not going to be there for people because I just have always felt such a connection.”
This article appears in April 9, 2021.
I do miss the quaint places on the Vineyard…Humphrey’s, the Chappy store and now The Right Fork. I also love the Galley..
I enjoyed inviting friends for a morning flight and a quality breakfast at the Right Fork. We gladly paid our landing fee and way over tipped to show how we appreciated the beautiful experience. Thank you – Rick
Tragic. So sad Jamie! We will of course look forward to supporting your next venture!
Change is inevitable, but this is unfortunate. I sincerely hope that the ‘winner’ of the RFP brings a true level of variety and quality to the fare they serve. Thanks for having firmly check both boxes, Jaime, and hopefully you’ll find a new, full-service spot in Edgartown.
Bring back Mel’s!
Good idea!
Ms. Langley did an exceptional job upgrading the Right Fork and making it a beloved destination for families and pilots alike. Edgartown’s focus on revenue is a big loss for everybody.
Isn’t this a tax payer funded building? I don’t remember getting Covid relief for my real estate bill …
We looked forward to going to her restaurant each time we visited the island. I believe a recent Massachusetts Appeals Court decision may entitle her to substantial rent relief. Covid mandates prohibited her from serving, thereby giving her relief based on “frustration of purpose”.
You apparently missed the multiple references to “rent”. The owner of this business is “funding” the space. And those checks you got in the mail from the government, that was your COVID relief, so yes, you did get a break on your taxes.
The town wants too much for their lease. The structural problems won’t fix themselves and the others are needed for any business. Too bad the town won’t change its mind. What about the people it served all these years? All about money. Such a shame
It is a real tragedy! This woman who has run the restaurant for so many years should not have to put in a bid to lease her diner!! Keep Island businesses going!! I sure will not be going there once a new lessor is in the place!
This is such a shame for the island! The town is too greedy. We have a restaurant with delicious simple food , great service, great ambiance and perfect for covid with all their outdoor dining – and the town wants more and won’t fix the property. Shame on the town. Is there a lawyer on MV who will represent the interests of the right fork pro bono? THIS IS JUST WRONG!
This is business. She elected not to renew the lease and asked for them to go out for a new RFP. Why are you all blaming the town? This is a good thing, change managed is good change, a restaurant similar to what’s already there. A week ago people were complaining about the Edgar rich guy buying up Dairy Queen or the month before about the off island Hob Nob group expanding into a residential area all while complaining how off island developers are changing things for the worse. This will remain a restaurant and that’s good, unless it becomes a 40 B development like Katzen is proposing for the mini golf in Tisbury.
This is such a shame for the island! The town is too greedy. We have a restaurant with delicious simple food , great service, great ambiance and perfect for covid with all their outdoor dining – and the town wants more and won’t fix the property. Shame on the town. Is there a lawyer on MV who will represent the interests of the right fork pro bono? THIS IS JUST WRONG!
This is so sad to hear!!!
Terrible that both sides couldn’t come to an agreement.
And there is a chance that this iconic area will be home to a taco place. Great. Coney Island ‘r Us.
You’ll be missed and remembered for the authentic destination dining experience that had a consistent “wow” factor. There is no replacing RFD and the diminishing vintage vineyard experience.
I AM SAD
Jamie I am so sorry to hear that. I was your Coca Cola repairman and you were one of my favorite stops. You made a difference to me and I’m sure many others.
I’m only trying to say that this is a summer town. We need summer dollars. If the people can’t swim here they’ll be glad to swim at the beaches of Cape Cod, Hampton, Long Island.
Nothing you can do with drive people away from here. Your argument is invalid. Poor Martha
My family has enjoyed dining at RFD for 15 yrs. It has always been THE eatery we look forward to every summer on MVY. We have enjoyed introducing others to RFD. My children and their cousins grew up working summer jobs at RFD. We are shocked and SO disappointed that RFD will close. Thank you to Jamie Langley and her staff for making us feel so welcome; for employing our Island youth and, serving us DELICIOUS FOOD! See you at your NEW destinations!!
Jamie, Nooooo! This totally sucks! The Right Fork Diner and you are what’s best about the Vineyard! I am so sad! xoxoxo
Eh, never been.
Jamie ran a wonderful restaurant but always with warmth, love and hugs. What a loss for the community but thrilled to hear Right Fork Diner may find another home on the island. Thank you Jamie for tour kindness, love and delicious food !
The town of Edgartown is the owner and landlord of the property. During this unprecedented period of pandemic and economic lockdowns, the town forefathers chose not to provide rent relief to a business that could not open fully during its critical business period. Rather than being understanding and supportive of a loyal minority small business owner, the Edgartown leaders aka, “slumlords”, did not provide this long-term customer with the financial relief she desperately needed. The lords of Edgartown also failed to implement the desperately needed improvements to the building the restaurant leased for over 15 years.
It will be quite interesting to review the full and detailed RFPs from the potential new tenants when they are published.
Minority business owner?? Huh?
I worked at Mel’s Diner for 5 seasons, met & built friendships with people all around that I am still in touch with. When Mel & Roy retired & Ms. Langley stepped in, it was time! I was so happy for a slight change. This is so sad & unfortunate that the town of Edgartown could not help.
What a disappointment
I think the town of Edgartown could have prevented this from happening! Why couldn’t this misfortune be prevented? I don’t understand why you would say this could not be helped by the Town of Edgartown!! I don’t believe that at all.
SO SAD to read this!! Can’t believe the town couldn’t come to some agreement with Jamie who has transformed the Right Fork Diner over the past 15 years and it has been a favourite spot for me and my family for all those years. Thank you Jamie! But seriously to the Town Council – surely you can sort this out before it’s too late?
I think ms. Langley did all that she could to consider another season at right fork . If you don’t have the support from a landlord , than it’s time to move on . May the new door that opens be successful for ms. Langley . It’s a hard business but so worth it in terms of community connection.
So very sad! Jamie and her faithful innovative staff offered great food, service, and atmosphere. Too often to town hassled her with petty restrictions that she always worked with over the years. Whatever the towns end game is it certainly isn’t community spirited. Our family will look forward to supporting whatever Ms. Langley’s next venture will be. Good luck Jamie, shame on the town!!
Sooooo sad. Right Fork is one of those special places that has ebeen a part of so many families’ memories. Personally, we were really looking forward to bringing our grandson to share that experience. It will be missed!
Jamie, You will be missed! Please keep us updated on your new venture! Hope to see you this summer.
Ohhhhhhhh noooooooooo. It can’t be true. The Right Fork is our favorite early morning breakfast spot for so many reasons.
This is truly a sad reality and one that chips away at the traditions, the special family gatherings, and, most of all, the loss of Jamie and her amazing young employees. Every summer was filled with anticipation of when is “The Right Fork” opening. The food, the views, the fun of the Red Baron, were all part of the history. Under Jamie’s guidance, it was certainly a playground for kids too. How sad the airport commission cannot realize what this place meant to Katama….and the whole island. It seems money means more than tradition. How really troubling.
I enjoyed escaping to the Right Fork to have a quiet and enjoyable breakfast. The meals were always excellent, as were the views.
Right Fork was wonderful to work with in planning fly-in gatherings. We appreciated the low-key friendliness and island spirit. I am sorry to hear Ms. Langley will be going elsewhere, she and the crew she gathered were a credit to the area.
Tacos!
How many taco places does this island need?
Exactly!
I sincerely hope that whoever goes into this location serves breakfast – it would be a shame to not be able to utilize the setting as the day begins
How many breakfast places does the island need?
Dairy Queen should move there! Plenty of parking, and the kids would love to see the biplane making its takeoffs and landings!
My daughter and several cousins worked at RFD for many years. Jaime and her family have become good friends. We are very sorry to see this happen. Looking forward to supporting Jaime wherever her next venture is.
Interesting that there is no comment about the millions of dollars being spent by the town for the new hanger that will only help a few with nothing being spent on a restaurant building that helps many. Again our selectmen are asleep and no forward thinking being done here.
I totally agree! The airfield is a privileged playground for an elite few, adjacent to and extremely overpriced joyride operation. While the diner was a family friendly establishment open to all, serving all, and embracing all!
Exactly! Vote them out!
Speaking of which, how much has the town raised the fees on the flight instruction business which goes round and around doing ‘touch and go’s’?
We will truly miss the Right Fork Diner! Thanks for the memorable Rehearsal Dinner 5 years ago for my daughter & son-in-law wedding & all the breakfasts – and my favorite lobster roll on the Island!
This was truly the best work environment ever imaginable. I will absolutely cherish all the great memories from working at RFD, the amazing people, and DEFINITELY the food!!! Love you Jamie and thank you for everything!!! Can’t wait to see what’s next <3
So unfortunate. Our family makes the trek from Chicago to MV every summer. Our kids love the RFD. It was a part of our annual tradition.
Met Jamie back in the day when we worked together at marthas in downtown edgartown(Approx 30 plus years ago) Had the pleasure of bringing my family to this restaurant every year, really bummed about this news!!! Sorry that the powers that be cant figure out a way to make this right(fork diner)!!!!!
I eat pancakes-Jamie’s pancakes- as do 100’s of people on-island and off. I don’t own, nor fly, a private plane. I’d rather have Jaime‘s pancakes than a shiny, silver $1 million airplane hangar.
The two shouldn’t be mutually exclusive – this seems to be a classic ‘penny wise, pound foolish’ outcome.
The article incorrectly describes the history. Mel’s diner came first. When the property was sold to the town, the restaurant became “Whoosies” and later became the “Right Fork Diner”. Our children and grandchildren have been entertained by the parade of airplanes over the past 40 years. As neighbors we value the uniqueness of this facility, hope that another tenant can ge identified and wish that any renovation retain the historical context of this grass field and its buildings. There is a precedent for a private foundation partnering with the town of Edgartown to reconstruct the hangar in a way that is sensitive to the field’s history while providing 21st century conveniences and efficiency. The model for how to do this already exists.
I love Dock St breakfast my go to..
Your food & service was the Best! Thank You for the great memories.
Will miss you very much!
And 15 years from now we will all be raving about the “new” diner that’s such a part of our lives.
Shame on the town. Iconic, authentic, awesome spot. So sad to hear this news.
Jamie ran a great business. The town should have supported her requests and the should have offered her Covid relief on the rent. 50K rent for seasonal business is a tough nut to crack. I would beg for her to come back. She was a known quantity.
how about $73,900 woth of covid relief.
https://projects.propublica.org/coronavirus/bailouts/loans/cmw-group-inc-4668707208
As president of the Cape Cod Aero Club I know our member pilots will miss flying over for breakfast at the RFD. It’s one of our Go-To destinations.
Such sad news. RFD was such a great place.
My family and I loved the RFD as much as everyone here. Never had a better pancake in my life. But what’s with all the hate for tacos?
I used to look forward to eating at RFD when I came to the Vineyard It was a treat to have breakfast at the establishment I feel sorry that the restaurant could not service I think that the Vineyard is loosing a lot of its quaint character spots and homey atmosphere for the sake of cash. To destroy places that make the Vineyard unique is a disgrace
Sorry to see the change, which, I understand, is inevitable, but change is not always for the better. I do hope the same format can be followed; early start, sit down, regular breakfast menu, please, no handheld foods where wrappers get thrown around the island. Things are getting entirely too casual for my taste, sit down, order breakfast, eat breakfast, leave napkins, dishes, etc, in the restaurant and Bob’s your Uncle. IMHO.
Ohhhhhhh nooooooo! I now have to roll out of bed and make my husband breakfast!! I will miss you Jamie and staff. Best wishes and luck at your new location. You are the BEST!
The island is continuing to lose the things that make it unique. All that seems to be going on now are bigger homes, more stores that are chains and less and less space to breathe.
So sorry to hear this. Jamie, I fervently hope you find a new location.
My husband and I are so sad to hear that Jamie and her wonderful RFD will not be open this year. I frequently walk by there and make periodic checks to see if any Opening Date sign has been posted. We have eaten there since the Mel’s Dinner days and our family-like so many others, loved to have breakfast there We now have the grandchildren for whom it is a TRADITION. Sometimes one son-in-law would fly in with our daughter and their 2 girls and we’d all meet for breakfast before they headed back to the Boston area. Such fun to stand outside scanning the sky for their plane as it landed and later as it flew off. In between, was wonderful food. Thanks and best of luck to you, Jamie, and a fervent wish you will be able to open a new dining venue soon. We will watch for the opening of your grab-and-go in Edgartown.
Jamie, we will follow you whatever you do next! You and the Right Fork Diner are as quintessential vineyard as anything on island. You will be sorely missed!!!
What a terrible loss for the Island. The Right Fork served by far the best pancakes available on the Vineyard and made the experience of dining there more pleasurable than at any other breakfast spot.
This is very sad. Great breakfast, enjoyed the service and always worth the trip. Loved the blueberry pancakes all these years.
Another Edgartown landmark gone. It will be missed.
I’m so sorry to hear that RFD is closing, and particularly that it is closing with some disagreement. (Edgartown… ) I always noticed how friendly and relaxed the employees were, and that kindly feel comes from the owner and cannot be replaced. And of course great food and setting. We pick our one week rental to be close to RFD. Thank you for the memories!
Jamie,
Thanks for taking the diner to a new level. You’ll be missed and leave big shoes to fill.
Been visiting the island for 20+ years. The Right Fork has been my family’s favorite island restaurant for years. We frequently recommend it to friends visiting the island. The closing of the RF is very sad. Sounds like petty local politics is the cause.
This is very sad!
RFD is always our first stop after getting off the ferry while waiting for our rental to open. Great food, great service, great views! We will miss it and look forward to finding her grab-and-go in Edgartown.
I am going to truly miss flying over from Marstons Mills airport with my wife in or 1946 Piper J3 for breakfast once a week. We so loved going there and am so saddened it has gone.
RFD was one of our family’s favorite traditions for ten years! What mistake pushing this wonderful establishment out. I really hope they establish something in downtown Edgartown to I can go there instead.