Say Cheese drops breakfast as pizza crowds pack new Melville café

The breakfast menu never really had a chance.

An overwhelming demand for its specialty Roman and NY-style slices has forced the brand-new Say Cheese Pizza Cafe at 89 Ruland Road in Melville into an early pizza pivot just days after opening.

A much-ballyhooed morning menu that included pancake pies, omelettes and egg sandwiches has already been scrapped.

“The plan was to roll it out slowly, start with just pizza, empanadas and dessert, and then introduce breakfast in a week or two,” owner Rosario Asta told Greater Long Island. “But we quickly realized there just wasn’t enough time or space to do everything. It’s a good problem to have.”

Now, instead of beginning at 7 a.m. during the week, the restaurant will open at the more traditional 11 a.m.

“We need the extra time for dough prep,” Asta said. “It really has not slowed down at all since we opened last Wednesday.”

“We came very close to running out of dough on the first day,” added Angelo Amato, head chef and general manager. “I made a lot more than I thought we needed just to be safe, and it’s a good thing I did because lines were out the door.”

Plans for a full line of espresso drinks have also been dropped, as Asta said the process took too long and would have slowed down service.

As GLI previously reported, the all-day Italian-inspired café concept was designed to appeal to commuters in the morning, office workers during the day and families at night.

The rest of the kitchen menu is still expected to launch in the coming weeks.

Asta said sandwiches, pasta dishes and other lunch and dinner options will be rolled out once the new restaurant settles into a rhythm.

“One thing everyone has been asking for is our Philly Cheesesteak. I promise it’s coming soon,” said Asta. “I just want to thank everyone for their patience.”

New hours

Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, 11:30 a.m. – 9 p.m.