TASTEFULLY REDONE
Black-Eyed Susan’s gets a new lease on life.
The winds of substantive transformation have been blowing through Nantucket’s neighborhoods for decades now, altering the fabric of our idyllic, small community. And though change is inevitable in all times and all places, it’s nice when the cherished and familiar finds a way to remain. Black-Eyed Susan’s, a much beloved island eatery, had seemingly welcomed its last visitor when it closed its doors in the fall of 2021, but thanks to the collaboration and energies of some longtime restaurateurs, this tiny India Street gem will continue as a testament to preserving what makes Nantucket special while embracing an ever-evolving culinary scene.
Owned and operated for more than thirty years by Susan Handy and Jeff Worster, the restaurant—an island favorite to many—closed without much fanfare, and the proprietors quietly began letting people know the business was up for sale. After Handy and Worster spent more than a year of talking to and negotiating with a variety of potential buyers with not much to show for it, they received interest from another set of local restaurant proprietors, appropriately enough the owners of The Proprietors Bar and Table just a few doors down on India Street.
The ownership team at Proprietors that includes Orla and Michael LaScola and Anna Worgess did not, however, want to take on this new venture without the partnership of Todd Edwards, the longtime executive chef of Black-Eyed Susan’s. After relocating to Austin, Texas, in November 2021 with the hopes of exploring restaurant opportunities there, Edwards found the COVID-19 pandemic had left its mark on the industry, as corporate owners seized the opportunity to acquire struggling restaurants in the southern city known for its food culture. Edwards’ hopes for a time seemed thwarted until he received an unexpected call that would ultimately reunite him with old friends, Nantucket and the beloved restaurant he helmed for years.
“I’ve been friends with Mike and Orla for a long time, and Anna and I go back more than fifteen years,” said Edwards, adding that the prospect of collaborating with his trusted friends seemed like a natural fit.
“I’d let Susan know over the years that if and when she decided to move on that we’d be interested,” added Orla LaScola. “This is really one of my favorite neighborhoods on the island, and though it has been evolving, we were excited by the opportunity to preserve the essence of what Nantucket has always been while embracing the future potential. And we’re just really excited that Susan and Jeff have handed us over such an already great product.”
As things came together at a late hour not long before the summer season, a deal materialized, leaving little time for opening preparations. While excited to take over the spot that has traditionally served both breakfast and dinner, the new team faced daunting challenges of trying to figure out managing breakfast and dinner without adequate staff housing. More than doubling that workforce at such short notice was simply not feasible for this year, said Michael LaScola. Thus, they made the decision to temporarily forgo breakfast in 2023, with plans to revisit the topic at the end of the season.
On May 25th, Black-Eyed Susan’s opened its doors to the island once again. With forty-nine seats, including outdoor seating that will remain in place, the restaurant offers a familiar and comfortable setting for locals and visitors alike. The new owners are keen on preserving what made the original restaurant special, keeping core items like the beloved tuna tartare and a variety of fish and pastas, along with their well-known Caesar salad. But Edwards and Worgess were also eager to inject some fresh ideas and flavors in the menu, drawing inspiration from Edwards’ travels, particularly Southeast Asian cuisines.
“One of the hallmarks of Black-Eyed Susan’s has always been its eclectic appeal,” said Edwards. “It attracts both adventurous diners seeking exciting culinary experiences and those who prefer more traditional fare as well. I enjoy encouraging guests to step out of their comfort zones and try something new by fostering an environment that celebrates culinary exploration, and creating memorable experiences for all who come in.”
While the LaScolas and Worgess may not be physically present every night of the week due to their responsibilities at Proprietors down the street, they were quick to add that they will definitely be involved in the day-to-day operations. “Being present at the door for me is crucial to understanding how the restaurant is running and ensuring guests receive the best possible experience,” said Worgess, adding that guests will be seeing some other familiar faces from the Nantucket culinary scene over the years, ensuring a seamless transition and providing a sense of continuity for their diners. She also said the long tradition of Black-Eyed Susan’s being a BYOB establishment will continue at least for the first year, before they consider applying for the appropriate licenses to serve liquor in the future.
As Black-Eyed Susan’s embarks on this new chapter, the owners expressed their gratitude for the incredible support they have received from their team and the community thus far, as well as their dedication to preserving the essence of Nantucket’s culinary charm and offering a cherished gathering place for years to come. “I think ‘familiarity’ is a good word to use,” said Michael LaScola. “We’re not trying to fix something that’s not broken, and it will remain that comfortable and casual neighborhood joint that everyone remembers and loves.”
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