For more than 80 years, Gosman’s Dock has been one of those Montauk places that feels permanent, the kind of waterfront landmark you assume will always be there, lobster rolls and all. Founded during World War II as a working fish operation, it grew into a sprawling harborfront complex that mixes fishing, food, retail, and Montauk history in one unmistakable dock.
Now, Gosman’s Dock has entered a new chapter.
In 2025, the iconic Montauk property sold for roughly $34.4 million in one of the most closely watched East End real estate deals in years but the bones, history, and legacy of the dock remain very much intact.
Here are the crazy, true, and very Montauk facts behind Gosman’s Dock, past and present.
The Original Gosman’s Dock Story
- Gosman’s Dock was founded in 1943 by Robert Gosman, who was from Amagansett, and his wife Mary Gosman, who was from Ireland.
- The original business had nothing to do with tourism, the Gosmans were fish packers and “fishdrummers,” acting as agents for Fulton Fish Market.
- The original property was purchased in 1943 from the Bonner Fuel Company.
- According to interviews, Mary Gosman brought Irish students to Montauk and housed them at the dock.
- In 1946, the first restaurant was built, essentially a shack.
- The restaurant began as a chowder stand, with the chowder cooked by Mary Gosman herself.
- Breakfast was also sold to local fishermen heading out on the water.
- The Gosman family bought additional properties in 1950 and expanded again with more land purchases in 1958.
How a Fish Dock Became a Montauk Institution
- The menu expanded over time, eventually including lobster rolls.
- Dan’s Papers famously described an “eight-seat lunch counter” where a $3 lobster roll came with fries, slaw, and crackers and was wildly popular.
- According to family history, diners once sat on old fish boxes while they ate.
- In 1960, the restaurant expanded with an outdoor deck overlooking Montauk Harbor.
- A bell inside the bar is dated May 21, 1968, the day the bar area officially opened.
- Before Montauk Harbor was dredged, it was possible to walk from Gosman’s Dock to Star Island.
Not Just Food: Music, Fishing, and Culture
- Gosman’s Dock hosted a free concert series in 1972 featuring artists including Richie Havens, Ruth Brown, Lee Konitz, Toots Thielemans, and the Heath Brothers.
- Robert Gosman died in 1983; Mary Gosman passed away in 1997.
- The success of the wholesale lobster and fish business, and the quality of the seafood, encouraged the Gosman family (five sons and one daughter) to expand Gosman’s Restaurant and Clam Bar into what it is today.
- As the property evolved, clothing shops, gourmet food stores, and tourist services were added.
The Real Estate Behind the Dock
- Gosman’s Dock is made up of nine properties spanning approximately 11.6 acres on Montauk Harbor.
- The portfolio includes four restaurants, six retail stores, a wholesale lobster and fish business, four staff housing properties, a marina, fish charter facilities, a boat rental site, and ample parking.
- In total, the properties encompass 48,145 square feet of space, not including the dock and marina infrastructure.
- The property was previously listed for $55 million in 2006.
- It was listed again in 2016 for $52.5 million.
- A deal nearly closed in 2019, but ultimately fell through.
The $34.4 Million Sale and What Comes Next
- In 2025, Marcus & Millichap brokered the sale of Gosman’s Dock for approximately $34.35–$34.4 million.
- The buyers are Stephen Deckoff, founder of Black Diamond Capital Management, and his son Stephen E. Deckoff.
- The transaction was handled by Henri Kessler, Michael Tuccillo, and Eric Anton of Marcus & Millichap.
- The buyers are well acquainted with eastern Long Island, Montauk, and the Gosman’s Dock property.
- Plans call for preserving Gosman’s Dock as a landmark while upgrading the food and beverage offerings.
- Those upgrades will be done in partnership with the Bagatelle Group, a French hospitality group.
- The sale also includes a vacant parcel with an option to build a 46-room hotel, adding a new potential layer to the Montauk waterfront.
The Bagatelle Group Enters the Gosman’s Dock Story
- In 2025, Gosman’s Dock announced a partnership with the Bagatelle Group.
- Bagatelle will manage the food and beverage operations across the approximately 12-acre Gosman’s Dock property.
- The partnership covers all restaurants and dining experiences at the dock.
- The restaurant and fish market are scheduled to reopen for the 2025 season under the new arrangement.
- Ownership stated the intent is preservation over renovation, keeping Gosman’s Dock recognizable rather than reinventing it.
- A new Gosman’s Dock restaurant concept is being developed as part of the partnership.
- The new restaurant space was designed by Sam Baron and will overlook Montauk Harbor.
- Corporate Chef Rocco Seminara will oversee the menus.
- The menus will emphasize locally sourced seafood supplied through Gosman’s own fish market.
- Service will include lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch.
- The property remains zoned for a potential 46-key hotel.
One More Very Montauk Fact
- Despite all the changes over the decades, Montauk remains the largest commercial fishing hub in New York State and Gosman’s Dock remains one of its most visible symbols.
