New life planned for old Pizza Hut in Centereach with Guac Time

A new sign has gone up on one of Long Island’s most talked-about vacant buildings.

Guac Time, a growing regional Mexican eatery with locations across Long Island, Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, New Jersey and Connecticut, is planning a new outpost at the former Pizza Hut at 2082 Middle Country Road in Centereach.

The restaurant closed in 2020 and has sat vacant ever since.

The building itself has become something of a local legend over the years. Longtime residents may remember the site from its days as a Jack in the Box in the 1970s — a spot that has since picked up a reputation in local lore as being haunted.

Ghost stories aside, Guac Time appears ready to breathe new life into the property.

The chain is known for burritos, burrito bowls, tacos, quesadillas and — as the name suggests — plenty of guacamole, along with sides and desserts like churros and tres leches cake.

When it opens, the Centereach location will be the brand’s easternmost location, joining other Long Island units in North Babylon, Franklin Square and Hicksville.

An opening date has not yet been announced, though exterior renovations appear nearly complete. Check back with Greater Long Island for updates.

There is a Pizza Hut Express located nearby at 265 Pond Path in South Setauket.

The pizza chain long ago started to shift from its signature sit-down “Red Roof” dining to the Dominoes model, leaving vacated restaurant buildings across the Island and beyond.

Some still argue that this was a mistake.

Yum! Brands, Pizza Hut’s parent corporation, also owns Taco Bell, KFC, and The Habit Burger Grill.

Centereach was among the last traditional Pizza Huts to close on the Island. The Riverhead location closed in 2016.

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