The King Zach Erdem The King

By Cynthia Lynn

Anew year, a new reno, and a new season of Serving The Hamptons on Max-formally HBO Max. This Hampton’s King is the ruler of the East End. I was able to catch up with the ever so charming Zach Erdem at his newly renovated restaurant, 75 Main, in Southampton. If you know, you know, but if you don’t, Zach is humble, sweet, and filled with kindness. He greets and welcomes his customers with open arms, a big smile, and the want to make their dining experience the best that it can be.

As we meandered our way to the back of the restaurant, sidestepping the busy waitstaff, Zach guided us to a secluded corner where we watched dishes and glasses being set for his next patron’s epicurean delight. As we sat back and chatted away, me sipping on some H2O and Zach on his third espresso of the day-he’s been known to drink upwards of 20 depending on the day, we talked all things Zach Erdem. On this chilly day he was looking all sorts of GQ with his maroon sweater, black jeans, and loafers.

You want to know who Zach Erdem is? Well, he is the most famous shepherd in the world. Hailing from Turkey, he came to the United States, New York specifically, with no money, no place to live, and no one to help him. Being a hard worker and having no reservations about doing an honest day’s work, Zach soon found himself working in some of NYC’s most famous restaurants.

That hard work and dedication paid off. He soon found himself heading east to the playground of the rich and famous, The Hamptons. Being a believer in God, an animal lover, and a kind and generous person has helped to guide is decisions. Those decisions soon led him to find himself working in the Hamptons at some of NYC’s most famous restaurant outposts. Not being shy about getting his hands dirty, he soon found himself working at what would, down the road, become the pinnacle of his hospitality empire, 75 Main, in Southampton. After many years as a restaurant worker, then restaurant owner, Zach has now recently become the owner/ operator of all things 75 Main-the building and the restaurant.

With the hustle and bustle of the newly renovated 75 Main going at full speed, nothing is overlooked or underserved. The air is perfumed with the delicate aromas of Michelin inspired meals along with the decadent sweetness of desserts. Scrumptious just begins to explain the dining experience you’ll have at 75 Main. After being closed for renovations the last half of winter, the restaurant opened to rave reviews and culinary acclaim. Designed by world acclaimed interior designers at Bishop

Design (IG @wearebishopdesign), 75 Main is on-point with their Tulum vibed, open concept, chic new look. With natural wood floors, coffered ceilings, palm tree wallpaper, and a fresh splash of white paint, this remodel leaves nothing untouched.

Zach has been a fixture in the Hamptons for years and describes it as rich, famous, and fun! So much so that at 75 Main you never know who you might run into. This Hampton’s hotspot is the place to see and be seen. Be it celebrities, politicians, or athletes, 75 Main is the MAIN place to be in the Hamptons. Of all those who have entered, be it Kendell Jenner or a local, Zach loves those who love to have fun. All this fun comes at a price, the price of no sleep. There’s no kicking back for this King. He’s on the move virtually 24/7. From wearing the hat of a restaurateur, hotelier, nightclub empresario, reality TV star or just the King of the Hamptons, Zach knows no limits. Not only is he preparing for the upcoming 2023 Hampton’s season, he’s preparing to film the third season of his HIT reality TV show, Serving The Hamptons. He couldn’t divulge too much but he did let us know that there are new faces, new romances, and drama, drama, drama. He’s excited for everyone to catch all the seasons on Max.

Being a hands-on owner helps to maximize his restaurant’s allure. Patrons see that he’s always there, doing what needs to be done. He puts in 20-hour workdays, to ensure his patrons receive the best restaurant experience possible. Being a shepherd in his native country of Turkey has taught him the value of a hard, honest days’ work. He’s proud of the life he’s built for himself, but he wishes his dad were alive to share in his success.

Owning a restaurant comes with all sorts of interesting interactions. Zach tells me about a woman who brought in her own eggs, veggies, and cheese so that the restaurant could make her breakfast. He explained that that’s not how it works and that he’d make her whatever she wants. She relented and allowed him to make her a veggie and cheese omelet. She didn’t think she should receive a bill and was pleasantly surprised when instead, Zach left her a lovely note telling her that breakfast was on him and that he looks forward to her returning.

When you think Zach’s plate is full, the King of the Hamptons always finds room for more. His insatiable appetite for all things hospitality has now taken him to Long Island’s North Fork, Greenport to be exact. In May of 2023 he’s opening new restaurants, a lounge, and hotel. With this, maybe he’ll retire his King of the Hamptons moniker and take on the new title, Emperor of the East End. Follow him on: IG: @Zacherdem, @75main, @blumarhamptons