Darryl is Douglaston's Santa Claus

From Douglaston Patch:

Mets legend Darryl Strawberry said he chose Douglaston over Manhattan as the locale for his restaurant to thank Queens residents for supporting him during his years of playing in the borough.

Now, the former slugger is mulling over ways to give back to the community, such as coordinating charity events with Strawberry's Bar and Grill, located at 42-15 235th St., and working with local schools.

"I wanted to be back in the area where I played for four years," Strawberry said of his eatery, which opened in August. "So, this is for Mets fans. Queens is my home more than any other place."

Strawberry said he plans for the restaurant to have a charity component through which he will raise money for children with autism or youngsters who lost their parents during the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center.

He also hopes to get involved with local schools or Little League teams.

In the meantime, Strawberry makes his way to Queens five times per month from his home in Missouri to visit his business.

Darryl ready to open restaurant

From the Daily News:

Darryl Strawberry struck out on "Celebrity Apprentice," but he's hoping to hit one out of the park with a Queens restaurant that opens next week.

Strawberry's Sports Grill starts serving customers on Thursday, and the former Mets and Yankees slugger plans to take a very active role.

"I might surprise people sometimes - come out and be the waiter," he said yesterday while leading the Daily News on an exclusive tour of the eatery.

Settling into a booth, Strawberry said he hoped fans of both local teams will frequent the restaurant on 235th St. in Douglaston.

But the Straw Man, who will be inducted into the Mets Hall of Fame this weekend, singled out his link to the Amazin's, where he played from 1983 to 1990.

"Queens is home and I have a lot of history here," said Strawberry, the Mets' all-time leader with 252 home runs, 662 runs and 733 RBI.

"This is my way of being able to give back to my fans."

Former Met to open restaurant in Douglaston

From NY Magazine:

Yanks fans have Mickey Mantle’s off of Central Park, and now Mets fans will have Strawberry’s Sports Grill in … Douglaston, Queens! A Craigslist ad seeks a GM for “Darryl Strawberry’s new restaurant,” which will be called Strawberry’s Sports Grill.

Near Port Washington line of the LIRR? Perfect stop after Mets games...Very smart.