Saying she took great pride in the reputation she helped to establish at her restaurant over more than 25 years, the former owner of Katy Daly’s restaurant in Massapequa advised the community this week that she has, and will make good on all gift certificates purchased before the restaurant closed this summer. She has also made arrangements for the new owners to honor all certificates with an extension of time due to the fact that the restaurant is currently closed and undergoing renovations.

"Neither me nor my staff would ever behave in a manner that might tarnish our fine reputation," said Mimi Jordan the former owner.

The issue involving gift certificates for the popular restaurant that Jordan owned since 1976 began in September when a customer, Kathy Murphy wrote a letter to the Massapequa Post and Amityville Record. In that letter, Murphy outlined how her Girl Scout Troop had purchased a $150 gift certificate to Katy Daly’s for her. Murphy called the restaurant in July to ask if she could use part of the certificate and get credit for another time. She said she was told she could, but that when she went down there a month later, the restaurant was closed. A message on the answering machine did not indicate that it had been sold and did not give the public any information on redeeming gift certificates. Two local restaurateurs made good on Murphy’s gift certificates, and a story outlining their response, and Murphy’s appreciation, appeared in the November 5, 2003 edition.

Jordan, who was recently married and moved to Colorado, selling the restaurant to Sean Harrington and Sean Reilly of Jackie’ Reilly’s in Bethpage, said she first heard about Murphy’s plight when someone sent her a copy of the story that ran in this newspaper. She said she was horrified.

As the business was sold and the family relocated, all communication has been through mail, she said. Before closing she reimbursed all gift certificates and catering deposits for which she had a contact name and telephone number, and put money into escrow for the rest.

Marie Catalano of the Department of Consumer Affairs confirmed that Jordan had in fact made provisions for the outstanding gift certificates when she sold her restaurant. "It is our understanding that there is money in escrow and if consumers write to her at the address of the restaurant they will be reimbursed," said Catalano.

Bernadette Reynolds of Massapequa followed the advice from the Department of Consumers Affairs. "I received my money back quickly," she said.

"When I read the story, it was the first I heard of this (Murphy’s problem,) said Jordan. "I sincerely apologize to Ms. Murphy and to the children who chose Katie Daly’s to show their appreciation to their leader."

Jordan, who has been an integral part of the business and residential community for years, helping with fund raisers and donating to many local organizations and charities, said she has had a memorable 27-year run and thanked the community for their support.

The new owners were not available for comment.