New owners take over Pine Island Tap House after closure announcement

The Pine Island Tap House, housed in a converted firehouse at 682 County Route 1 in Pine Island, announced it would close for the final time at the end of business on Friday, February 27, 2026, after nearly five years in business. Within days of that closure announcement, local reporting indicated new ownership has taken over the tap house, though no buyer names or dates of the transfer were disclosed.

Owners posted on Facebook that “Saying goodbye to our Tap House chapter after nearly five unforgettable years hasn’t been easy,” and added, “But we have some encouraging news to share!” The same post included the line “the doors won't stay closed long,” but the post did not identify who the new owners are or provide a reopening timeline for the Pine Island location.

Fans on social media responded quickly to the Feb. 2026 announcement, with multiple patrons posting reactions. One fan wrote, “I’m so sad and sorry to read this we loved your place it was truly a home to us and many people we can call family now thank you for giving us an amazing and fun place.” Another wrote, “So sad to see this place close, we felt at home every time we walked through the door and will miss this place and staff terribly. Good luck with you future plans.” The comments underscore the Tap House’s role as a local gathering spot over almost five years at the Route 1 address.

Key details remain unresolved despite reports of a takeover. The current owners did not disclose the identities of the new owners, and it is unclear whether the business will continue operating under the Pine Island Tap House name, whether existing employees will be rehired, or what changes the incoming operators may make to the space described in records as a converted firehouse. Local reporting also notes it is unknown how long the Tap House will remain closed after Feb. 27, 2026.

For residents tracking the transition at 682 County Route 1, the quickest public updates are likely to come from the Pine Island Tap House Facebook page where the owners posted their announcement and from town or county filings that would show any formal transfer of business or liquor licenses. Reporters will seek confirmation of new-owner identities, the date ownership changed hands, and any permits or license transfers at Orange County and the relevant town clerk offices.