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The Grigo Family Legacy

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A Tradition of Craftsmanship and Coaching

The Grigo family story is one of dedication, craftsmanship, and passion—spanning both the worlds of fine woodworking and elite tennis coaching. With deep roots in Southampton, NY, the family has built and sustained two thriving traditions: Central Kitchens Corp., a fourth-generation custom cabinetry business, and James Grigo's lifelong career in tennis.

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Central Kitchens — Four Generations of Craftsmanship

Founded in 1955, Central Kitchens Corp. is a family-owned and operated woodworking business specializing in high-end custom cabinetry, kitchen and bath design, and home renovations. The company traces its origins to Queens, NY, where Robert Grigo and his wife Doreen mastered their craft alongside Robert's father.

Their dedication to quality and customer care led them to Southampton, NY, where they grew Central Kitchens into a cornerstone of the local community. Today, the legacy continues with their children and grandchildren:

  • Kurt Grigo: Joined in 1994; now General Manager & Senior Designer

  • William Grigo: Joined in 2000; Legal and Financial Manager

  • Samantha Grigo: Joined in 2014; Office/Operations Manager

For nearly 70 years, Central Kitchens Corp. has remained committed to uncompromising craftsmanship, timeless design, and personalized service.

📍 871 County Road 39, Southampton, NY 11968
☎️ (631) 283-1029

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James Grigo — A Life on the Court

Parallel to the family business, James Grigo, USPTA Certified Tennis Professional, has carried the family’s values of dedication and excellence into the world of tennis.

James picked up a racquet at age six, quickly excelling through competitive ranks and earning the position of #1 collegiate player at South Hampton College. In 1995, he competed on the International Tennis Federation (ITF) World Tour, representing his skills on the global stage.

 

Coaching Career

James began coaching at just 16 years old in The Hamptons, working at top clubs including:

  • East Hamptons Indoor Tennis

  • West Hamptons Tennis & Sports

  • Hamptons Athletic Club (now Sportime)

His career later expanded to California, where he coached at:

  • Tustin Hills Country Club

Since his mid-30s, James has been a leading tennis instructor in Florida, working with:

  • Club Med

  • Team Tennis

  • Langford Park

  • Sailfish Park

  • Private clubs and courts

Starting in 2025, James will split his time between Florida in the winter and The Hamptons in the summer, continuing to serve players of all ages and abilities.

 

Building Relationships Beyond the Court

James's personalized coaching often takes place on private estates, offering an exceptional level of service to discerning clients. These exclusive interactions not only help players refine their game but also create opportunities to introduce clients to the family's other passion: luxury home design.

Through authentic relationships built on trust, many of James's clients have been referred to Central Kitchens Corp. for their custom cabinetry and home renovation needs—creating a unique synergy between sport and craftsmanship that embodies the Grigo family's entrepreneurial spirit.

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Two Traditions. One Family.

The Grigo family exemplifies the power of hard work, community, and craftsmanship—whether building dream kitchens or developing the next generation of tennis talent. Their dual legacies continue to thrive, bringing people together through shared passion and lifelong dedication.

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