Pita Bowl opens its second Long Island spot with a third on the way

It’s was a pita party in Merrick!

Pita Bowl, the Greek fast-casual restaurant that started in Lindenhurst in 2020, opened its second location today at 2168 Merrick Road.

It replaces The Diner Boys, which closed in May.

“I always wanted to expand west,” owner Dean Leunes told Greater Long Island. “Merrick is a great community. I’ve attended many events here at the Greek Church in Merrick, and I love this area.”

Leunes describes Pita Bowl as a “modern twist” on traditional Greek restaurants.   

“I loved a certain build-your-own-company when I was younger and I always felt like I could do it with this type of food,” he said. “Here you can build your own gyros, rice bowls and salads. No other Greek places were doing that.

“I like to customize my own food when I eat, so why not give that same opportunity to the customers?”

The menu also features some signature options, including a new bowl that Leunes calls his favorite. “It’s called The Olympian.  It’s a lemon potato base with beef lamb gyro, chicken souvlaki, lettuce, tomato, onion, with pita sauce and Tzatziki,” he said. “It’s a little spicy and an incredible combination.”  

And Pita Bowl isn’t done expanding. Next up is a store in West Islip on Union Blvd in the Ace Hardware-anchored plaza, which is expected to open in January. 

Leunes said he wants to push even farther east, and maybe west into the boroughs.

Merrick is open 7 days a week, from 4 p.m – 8 p.m. on Mondays and 11:30 a.m. – 8 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday.