For 50 years, Euphemia Haye has been a staple for Longboat Key diners. The restaurant was founded in 1975 by Les Buntin, who named it after his grandmother; five years later, Buntin sold it to Chef Ray Arpke and his wife D’Arcy. Ray Arpke had worked as a chef at the The Colony Beach and Tennis Resort (now the site of The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort) and by Café L’Europe on St. Armands Circle (now Café on St. Armands). Over their 41 years of ownership, he and D’Arcy established Euphemia Haye’s legacy as one of Longboat Key’s most beloved restaurants. In 2021, the couple retired and transitioned ownership of the restaurant to their longtime employee Amy Whitt, who ran it until making the abrupt decision to close in April.
Enter: Jason and Rachel Ghormley, Longboat Key residents who found out about the closure from one of Euphemia Haye’s longtime employees and stepped in to save it, purchasing and reopening the restaurant over the course of a few short weeks.
For Rachel, who grew up in the area and counts many meals at Euphemia Haye among her family memories, the purchase was something of a homecoming.
“I grew up going to Euphemia Haye with my family,” says Rachel Ghormley. “It’s such a special restaurant to so many people. Most of the staff have been here for decades. One in particular, Billy Riley, has been here since the beginning.”
At Euphemia Haye, guests can enjoy a traditional fine-dining meal experience on the restaurant’s lower level or head to the second level, known as the Haye Loft, for a more casual experience and a selection of decadent desserts and cocktails, plus weekly live music.
The Ghormleys are committed to keeping the ambience of the restaurant the same while also making small but luxurious changes throughout the space, like upgrading the flatware.
“We don’t want to change too much because people already love Euphemia Haye,” Rachel explains. “We’ve been so fortunate to see some of our guests’ milestones, like engagements and even a 12-year-old’s birthday party. It’s hard work, but it’s gratifying.”
To celebrate, the Ghormleys are throwing a 50th anniversary celebration on Tuesday, Dec. 9. Ray Arpke, now in his 70s, will return as the chef for the evening, which will include a seven-course meal and wine pairings. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Breakthrough 1DF (formerly the Sarasota Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) and the Humane Society of Sarasota County.
"We're the most excited about Ray [Arpke] coming back to cook the anniversary dinner," Rachel says. "He's responsible for what has always made Euphemia Haye special, and has created so many memories. He's such a fantastic chef."
