The Hampton Maid Celebrates 65 Years With Party: 'So Much Gratitude'

HAMPTON BAYS, NY — An iconic Hamptons destination will celebrate its 65th anniversary Sunday with a festive lawn party.

The Hampton Maid's 65th Anniversary Celebration will take place on Sunday, August 18 from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and feature a pig roast, paellas, pinchos, a grand cru Spanish wine tasting, and a sherry flight paired with Spanish cheeses. Music will be provided by Los Cintron, "who evoke the traditional sounds of Andalusia and their beloved Spain," organizers said.

The event benefits East End Food; a rain date has been slated for August 19. General admission tickets cost $125, with alcohol, $175. VIP tables are also available.

Tara Poulakis, who currently owns the business, told Patch: "Looking back on my childhood, I realize what a privilege it was to grow up here at The Hampton Maid. I'm filled with so much gratitude — for my grandparents, my parents, and the generations of families and guests who've made memories on this beautiful property. Being part of something that has meant so much to so many is an honor, and I hope to continue the legacy for another 65 years!"

What began as a dream for the Poulakis family in 1959 has become a precious memory for generations of guests who've made the Hampton Maid an iconic destination in Hampton Bays.

The Hampton Maid was born in 1959, when her grandparents John and Marion Poulakis first came to East End from Baldwin "in search of a better life for their family," Tara Poulakis said.

Although they'd originally intended to purchase a coffee shop in Southampton Village, they found the Sail Inn, a strip motel with an attached cafe for sale, in Shinnecock Hills. The couple purchased the property for $25,000 and moved their young family into two of the five hotel rooms, she said.

In 1982, they built the cabins where the current resort rooms are located. The iconic windmill was built in 1984.

The next generation, Tara's parents Steven Poulakis and his wife Sharon, took the helm in the 1990s, acquiring six additional acres next to the Hampton Maid, which eventually became LEED-certified suites built in 2016. The couple's children, Tara and her brother Josh, grew up at the Hampton Maid, the legacy deeply rooted.

Tara began her journey when she was a little girl helping her mother bake muffins, and folding laundry with her grandmother. When she turned 16, she learned the financial end of the business from her grandfather, studied business in college, and then pursued a career in accounting.

In 2019, Tara poured her heart into carrying the family's legacy forward, taking the reins as proprietor of the well-loved family business, a 13-acre property. Her dreams, she said, included "creating a camp-style luxury resort while maintaining its family retreat vibe." In the days since, she's opened the acclaimed R.AIRE restaurant, which now offers dinner in addition to its popular breakfasts — and expanded offerings to include weddings and private events.

Tara said she's raising her own two children Cash and Lex in the family business, just as her parents and grandparents did, before her — keeping a precious tradition alive and thriving.

Tara spoke with Patch about some of the most memorable changes she's seen in the Hamptons over such a long and rich history.

"We’ve seen the Hamptons evolve tremendously over the years. The area used to be mainly a summer destination, with visitors from Memorial Day to Labor Day," she said. "Now, the season extends well into the winter and early spring, with many more people choosing to make the area their year-round home. We’ve also seen the Hamptons grow into a cultural and culinary destination, with a great dining scene and excellent chefs, farm-to-table restaurants."

The guests, Tara said, have always represented the rich fabric and resonating heart of the establishment.

"The families that started coming here to vacation with us when they were children, are now bringing their children and grandchildren! It’s incredible," she said. "We heard a heartwarming story from a family that was here during the summer blackout of 2003. They mentioned how all the guests gathered by the pool, where one played his guitar and sang while everyone shared an ice cream that had to be eaten before it melted. The family still has the flashlight we gave them, to this day!"

Another great story, she said, was told by a couple who had their first date at the hotel. "Now, after marriage and three kids, they continue to visit us every summer. Hearing such stories is incredibly rewarding, and we are honored to be part of so many cherished family memories," she said.
The Hampton Maid, Tara said, represents a touchstone for generations of guests.

"We’ve fostered a wonderful sense of community and continuity here. For 65 years, we’ve been a bit of a well-kept secret and a cherished setting for creating lasting family traditions and memories, from first dates and weddings to family vacations with children and grandchildren," she said. "Guests feel like they’re part of a family here, because we’ve created a warm and welcoming retreat and have embraced a philosophy of 'quiet luxury,' where they can relax and be well cared for."

Looking toward the developments she's made, Tara said one of the most exciting changes was the opening of the restaurant, R.AIRE, which was launched in 2020, during the pandemic, with chef Alex Bujoreanu’s six-course tasting menu.

"Since then, we've expanded to include an à la carte menu featuring Spanish-inspired dishes, tapas and paellas," she said.

Dinner is now served Tuesday through Saturday starting at 5 p.m.

"We’re also thrilled to offer our intimate dining room as a venue for weddings and special private events," she said.

To celebrate the 65th year, on August 18, the Hampton Maid will host the festive summer barbecue. "We’re pulling out all the stops with a pig roast, a giant paella, and a band to keep the party going. It’s going to be a fantastic time filled with great food, lively music, and lots of fun!" Tara said.

Speaking to guests past and present as she marks the momentous milestone, Tara said: "Our main message is one of heartfelt gratitude. We deeply appreciate the support from our guests and the dedication of our entire staff. They have made these 65 years possible. Supporting independent, family-owned businesses like ours helps sustain the unique character and charm of our community."

Looking to the future, Tara said the hope is to continue growing and expanding while staying true to her family's roots and providing the same relaxed, quiet luxury that guests have come to love.

"We look forward to the fourth generation of the Poulakis family continuing the tradition," she said.