Long Island has a new viral sensation, and it’s not a TikTok dance.
It’s pizza.
Phil’s Pizzeria & Retaurant in Syosset has been making waves on TikTok, Instagram and Facebook with a series of skits that flip the script on rude customers.
The nearly 40-year-old Syosset mainstay also made national headlines Sept. 22 with a New York Post feature.
Here’s how it works: Instead of quietly tolerating bad behavior, the staff dramatizes it — complete with over-the-top eye rolls, water sprays and the now-online-famous line: “Go sit down!”
Oh, and plenty of f-bombs.
The videos, filmed right inside the family-owned pizzeria, have racked up millions of views in just a few weeks.
Top: Phil’s Pizzeria & Restaurant owner Anthony Laurino. Credit: Phil’s Pizzeria on Facebook
The water spray (watch):
@philspizzasyosset Hi sir how are you? Now Let’s Try That Again. Hi Sir! How are you?? #manners #customer #customerproblems #customerservice #customerserviceproblems #pizza #pizzeria #nypizza #nypizzasuprema #pizzatiktok #pizzatok #longisland #longislandeats #longislandfood ♬ original sound – Philspizzasyosset
Serving slices and sass
In one clip, a “diner” complains about wait times and is met with a mock tirade from a “fed-up” server.
In another, a customer’s bizarre order gets a full-on parody. Each skit ends with the punchline, leaving real-life customers and industry people in stitches — and online viewers combing through the Phil’s social feeds for more.
“They’re saying out loud what every restaurant worker thinks,” one TikTok commenter wrote. Another chimed in: “I’d eat here just for the entertainment.”
The pizzeria’s most-watched TikTok video has racked up over 4 million views since it was posted Aug. 7:
@philspizzasyosset Gonna go in the kitchen and cook your own food next time???? phils Syosset address we can make a small OK OK cash credit number🇮🇹 Figgetaboutit 🇮🇹🤌🏻🤌🏻 Call us for curbside,takeout,delivery or dine in. Reservations are a must Friday,Saturday and Sunday (516)364-6900. DM us for collaboration and appearances. : : : : : : : : : : : #pizza #youcaneatpizzaanytime #italian #thegoodlife #sauce #mozzarella #parmigiano ♬ original sound – Philspizzasyosset
Local fame
“This industry needs a reality show. I tell everybody, ‘you’re not going to believe what happens at work.” owner Anthony Laurino told the New York Post this week.
He also told the paper the skits started as just a way for the staff to blow off steam.
“I started keeping a notepad next to the counter to write things down as they happen — and we get new material each day,” he said.
Employees also take notes of their own.
Now customers are flocking not just for a slice, but for the chance to appear in or witness a skit.
