The family behind Pita Bowl is set to expand to Merrick, West Islip

Pita Bowl is getting ready to triple down on Long Island.

The family-owned Greek fast-casual restaurant that opened in downtown Lindenhurst during the height of the pandemic is now preparing to launch two new locations — one in Merrick and another in West Islip.

Merrick is next up to the pita plate, with an opening slated for July 1 at 2168 Merrick Rd. This is the former location of The Diner Bays, near Frankel Boulevard.

The Pita Bowl team got the keys in May and rolled up their sleeves for the speedy turnaround.

“Everything is moving very quickly,” said co-owner Dean Leunes, who opened the original shop with his family in 2020.

A West Islip opening will follow later this year at 460 Union Blvd., in the Ace Hardware-anchored plaza.

Costumers can create their own gyros, salads, and rice bowls by choosing different types of proteins, sides, and toppings. There are also suggested choices for the less creative.

The Lindenhurst location debuted in early 2020 at 280A North Wellwood Ave., just as COVID-19 restrictions began to ripple through the restaurant industry.

Despite the timing, the eatery quickly built a loyal local following.

“Our Lindenhurst location has been doing great,” Dean Leunes told Greater Long Island. “The community has really welcomed us in with open arms, especially opening during the height of Covid. Seeing the growth of the village over the years has been an amazing experience and we’re extremely proud to be here.”

The brand was founded by longtime Lindenhurst resident Rea Leunes, along with her husband, Steve, and then Dean. (Rea Leunes also owns C’est La Vie, a woman’s clothing store in the village.)

The early success, especially through the state’s COVID restrictions, had them all thinking expansion around 2022.

And when a former sushi restaurant closed in West Islip, the family saw an opportunity to grow the business — while keeping their winning formula intact.

“[We] thought it would be the perfect place for us,” Dean said. “We have friends and family in West Islip and love the people and town.”

In the meantime, the opportunity to expand into the nearly turn-key space in Merrick presented itself this spring.

The Nassau location will offer more seating and a slightly different look.

But the West Islip location has nearly an identical footprint to the Lindenhurst spot, with Dean calling it “an exact replica of our first store.”

Still, the Leunes family is keeping the service model that works across the board. Expect the same fresh-made pitas, rice bowls, salads and signature sauces that made the original Pita Bowl a local favorite.

Both new locations will offer takeout, dine-in seating and a build-your-own menu that includes Greek chicken souvlaki, seasoned meats, house-made tzatziki and more.