Uncle Joe’s Pizza, which first opened in Hamptons Bays back in 1968, has acquired Wading River Pizza in the Little Bay Shopping Center on Route 25A.
This will mark the decades-old company’s third Long Island location.
Wading River Pizza owner Steven LaBarbera is retiring.
“As we reflect on the past six years we are filled with gratitude for the support and friendship you have shown us at Wading River Pizza”, LaBarbera said. “It has been an incredible journey serving you and we are truly thankful for the opportunity to be a part of this wonderful community.”
Wading River Pizza is passing the torch “with confidence,” he added.
Led by Tana Gerber and Scott Gerber, the takeover is effective immediately, though the full transition to Uncle Joe’s Famous Pizzeria will occur by spring.
“We are excited to introduce the Wading River, East Shoreham and Rocky Point communities to some of the specialties that have made us a trusted, family-friendly brand for over 50 years”, said Scott Gerber. “Rest assured, we will preserve the culinary excellence and customer service that Wading River Pizza’s regulars, fans and locals have come to know and love.”
Uncle Joe’s Miller Place spot, along with the Hampton Bays location, are both closed for renovations but are each expected to reopen in March.
The address for the latest Uncle Joe’s location is 6324 Route 25A, Wading River. Meanwhile, the Uncle Joe’s owners said they expect more acquisitions in the coming weeks and months ahead.
Uncle Joe’s Pizza was founded by Guiseppe Sciara, who was born in Sicily in 1940.
He eventually emigrated to the U.S. and opened his first pizzeria in Bay Shore in 1968 before soon expanding to Hampton Bays and opening up other locations. Along the way, his regulars began to call him Uncle Joe, a moniker he’s cherished ever since.
Photo credit: Wading River Pizza on Facebook
