Member Spotlight: Edwin Tuccio & Tweed's Restaurant and Buffalo Bar

Some business owners open a restaurant. Others help define a downtown.

For Edwin Tuccio, owner of Tweed's Restaurant and Buffalo Bar, Riverhead isn't just where he does business; it's home. In fact, Ed proudly traces his family's history in Riverhead back 14 generations. Generations of the Tuccio family have owned and operated businesses along Main Street, including real estate, insurance, hardware, and used car enterprises. That entrepreneurial spirit eventually inspired Ed to make his own mark on Downtown Riverhead.

When the historic J.J. Sullivan building became available, Ed saw an opportunity. After leasing the restaurant to others for several years, he took the reins himself in 1998, creating something truly unique: a restaurant centered around the bison he raises locally.

That commitment to offering something different remains a hallmark of Tweed's today. The menu features bison, elk, and an array of locally sourced vegetables, fish, and fruits. Quality ingredients and memorable dining experiences have helped make Tweed's a beloved destination for residents and visitors alike.

Ask Ed what makes a successful restaurant, and his answer starts with the people. He believes that building the right team is critical, from talented kitchen staff to respected managers who help create an exceptional experience for every guest who walks through the door. The behind-the-scenes preparation each day is just as important as the meal that arrives at the table.

As one of Downtown Riverhead's most recognizable ambassadors, Ed also understands the important role restaurants play in the community. He believes successful restaurants are essential to a thriving downtown and that uniqueness helps create a destination worth visiting. For Tweed's, that uniqueness starts with bison and extends through every aspect of the dining experience.

One of Ed's proudest accomplishments is seeing Tweed's grow beyond what he ever imagined. Over the years, the restaurant has flourished, earning recognition on national and local television, as well as in magazines and newspapers.

Looking ahead, Ed encourages both longtime locals and first-time visitors to spend time exploring Downtown Riverhead and experiencing Tweed's. Whether stopping in for lunch, enjoying a leisurely dinner, or taking a drive past the bison pasture at the corner of Reeves Avenue and Roanoke Avenue, guests have the opportunity to connect with a truly unique part of Riverhead's history and culture. And for those who want an even closer look, Tweed's can arrange a tour of the bison operation.

After more than two decades at the helm of Tweed's, Ed remains one of Downtown Riverhead's biggest champions, a business owner whose roots run deep and whose dedication continues to help make Riverhead a destination worth visiting.