A Legacy on the Water: Inside Jerry & The Mermaid with Jerry Dicecco

Soft-shell crab sandwich, a seasonal specialty

In Downtown Riverhead, where the rhythm of the waterfront meets the heartbeat of a tight-knit community, there’s a restaurant that feels less like business and more like a tradition.

At the center of it all is Jerry Dicecco, chef, owner, and second-generation restaurateur behind Jerry & The Mermaid. But to understand the restaurant, you first have to understand the story.

For Jerry, hospitality isn’t something he chose; it’s something he was born into.

Growing up, his father owned and operated restaurants, while his mother managed the front of the house. From an early age, he watched what it meant to serve others, to work tirelessly, and to create moments that people remember long after the meal is over.

That early exposure turned into a lifelong passion.

“There’s something incredibly rewarding about bringing people together around great food,” Jerry reflects.

And that’s exactly what he’s been doing, day in and day out.

More Than a Restaurant—A Community Staple

Jerry & The Mermaid didn’t just happen; it grew alongside Riverhead itself.

The restaurant first opened when Jerry’s father was invited to build something special at a local marina. What began as an opportunity became a legacy—and more than 30 years later, that legacy is still going strong.

But the real reason they’ve stayed?

Simple. They love Riverhead.

“This community is built on connection and support,” Jerry says—and it’s not just words.

When the pandemic hit, that connection became a lifeline.

Through what became known as The Mermaid Project, the restaurant partnered with the community to raise funds and provide meals for hospitality workers and families in need, while also keeping their own staff employed during one of the most uncertain times in recent history.

And when it was time to reopen?

The community showed up—filling the dining room, supporting the business, and helping it recover.

That kind of loyalty doesn’t happen by accident. It’s built over decades of showing up for each other.

A Day in the Life: Passion Behind the Scenes

What guests experience at Jerry & The Mermaid is warm, welcoming, and effortless.

What they don’t see is the 12-hour workdays.

Jerry’s mornings begin at home with his family, but once he steps into the restaurant, the pace doesn’t slow down. Half his day is spent in the kitchen cooking alongside his team. The rest? Managing payroll, schedules, invoices, and anything else it takes to keep the business running smoothly.

He’s often there until 11 p.m., only to start again the next day.

“It’s demanding,” he admits, but it’s also deeply personal. Hospitality isn’t just his job. It’s who he is.

The Experience: Fresh, Local, and Meant to Be Shared

Ask Jerry what to order on your first visit, and he won’t point to just one dish—he’ll point to an experience.

Start with the freshest local seafood available that day, sourced from nearby fishermen, farms, and producers.

Fan favorites like the lobster roll, seafood bisque, clam chowder, and fish & chips have earned their place on the menu over time, not because they were planned, but because guests loved them.

Because at the end of the day, the customers decide.

But the real highlight isn’t what’s on the plate.

It’s what happens around it.

“Jerry & The Mermaid has always been about more than food,” he says. “It’s about gathering… creating memories together.”

Picture it: waterfront views, a table full of seafood, laughter carrying through the air—it’s the kind of place where nights stretch a little longer, and conversations feel a little easier.

Riverhead’s Next Chapter and How to Be Part of It

Ask Jerry about the future of Downtown Riverhead, and his answer is immediate:

“The best is yet to come.”

With new development, public spaces, and growing energy throughout downtown, he believes the area is on the brink of a true renaissance.

But growth comes with challenges, and right now, local businesses need support.

His message to the community is simple:

Come Downtown.

Have dinner. Shop small. Walk the waterfront. Spend time discovering everything Riverhead has to offer.

“Every dollar spent locally helps businesses stay strong, and ensures they’re here for the future that’s coming,” he says.

Why It Matters

Jerry & The Mermaid isn’t just a place to eat.

It’s a story of family. Of resilience. Of a community that shows up when it matters most.

And when you walk through the doors, you’re not just a customer.

You’re part of that story, too.

Come for the seafood. Stay for the experience. Support local—and be part of Riverhead’s next chapter.