Taking the Leap—and Bringing the Community with Her

“Come as strangers, leave as friendzz.” Robin McComb

Some people carefully plan their life’s work. Others discover it when life throws curveballs—and they rise to meet them. Robin McComb is the latter. A woman whose career was born out of necessity, shaped by resilience, and delivered with heart, Robin hasn’t just built successful businesses—she’s built places that feel like home.

Born in Plainview and now calling Ronkonkoma home, Robin is a divorced mom of four—three sons and one daughter—and, in just about a week, she’ll proudly add a new title: first-time grandma. Not just any grandma, either. She plans to be lovingly known as “Frogma.”

From Business Books to Barstools

Robin attended Suffolk Community College for business management and once dreamed of being a stay-at-home mom. Life had other plans. She owned her own medical billing company for many years and later worked in the medical billing department at Mather Hospital. When one of her children needed extra care at home, she stepped away to be there. A divorce soon followed—and with no income and four children to support, Robin did what strong women do: she reinvented.

In 2001, she began bartending at Stags Head Inn, a friendly neighborhood bar in Ronkonkoma where locals gathered to unwind. When the owner could no longer manage the bar, Robin stepped in—running not only the barstools, but the books and the business behind the scenes. When the owner fell ill, she negotiated to buy it.

“It was our place! Bar people are my family. I wanted to keep the bar in the family.”

The Birth of Frogzz—and the Meaning Behind the Name

In 2005, Robin purchased the bar and rebranded it to reflect her personality while keeping the familiar feel customers loved. In 2006, Frogzz Saloon opened its doors at 419 Hawkins Avenue in Ronkonkoma.

The name says it all. Robin adores frogs. Her daughter’s name is Lizz—honored with the playful “zz”—and her three sons’ initials are included in the legal paperwork. Every child, every detail, mattered.

With no kitchen, Robin brought in food trucks and later transformed Frogzz into a lively “barcade”—complete with pool and dart tournaments, bowling games, a golf simulator, Pac-Man, Mario Brothers, and more. It quickly became a place where friendships formed and regulars felt like family.

Another Leap of Faith

Just shy of 55, Robin seized another opportunity. The Red River Inn had once been a beloved neighborhood bar and restaurant, but after changing hands, it struggled. Robin kept telling the new owner, “If you ever sell, let me know.”

Almost three years ago, he did.

Like the frogs she loves, Robin took another leap of faith, purchasing the bar at 450 Main Street in Yaphank and expanding her brand into Frogzz Bar and Grill. This time, she added a full kitchen with a fabulous menu that goes far beyond typical bar food and redesigned both the interior and exterior to fully reflect her vision.

Music, Motorcycles, and a Whole Lot of Heart

Robin’s success comes from a rare mix of business acumen and a vivacious, welcoming personality. She knows her customers and gives them what they want. There’s entertainment every night of the week.

Mondays feature Dave’s “Me and You Show,” where Dave strums his guitar and invites guests to sing along. There are karaoke nights, dinner shows, musical bingo, and biker-friendly bike nights. Fridays and Saturdays are dedicated to live music, showcasing and supporting the local band community. Sundays bring an open mic jam hosted by Jim Moran.

Robin also hosts ABATE (American Bikers for Awareness, Training, and Education) events led by its president Chris Beckhans, organizes fishing trips, cruises, Yankees and Mets outings, and city trips for customers from both bars.

Yet what speaks loudest is her generosity.

From Toyzz for Totzz, donating toys to children in need in the Sachem and Longwood school districts, to poker runs, Chinese auctions, and countless fundraisers for families and individuals in need, Robin’s heart of gold shines through everything she does.

The Takeaway

Robin McComb never thought this would be her career path. Born out of necessity and sustained by love, what she does and the people she serves, she has shown that businesses can thrive when community comes first.

Her bars are homes.
Her customers are family.

She is an inspiration to all women: Do what you love. Make it about what’s good for others. The dream is yours.

 One Last Invitation

Robin has a simple message for anyone who hasn’t yet walked through her doors:

“Come on down and we’ll make you a part of our family too.”

To see the latest happenings, visit the Facebook pages for Frogzz Saloon and Frogzz Bar ’N’ Grill.

Looking for a place to host an event or fundraiser? Call Robin at 631-775-0186.

Because sometimes all it takes is one brave “leap” to land exactly where you belong—and at Frogzz, there’s always room on the lily pad.