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What started as a slice shop in Smith Haven Mall’s food court has quickly become one of the fastest-growing pizza companies on Long Island.
The Pizzeria — started in fall 2020 by brothers Paul and Dan Saccoccio and longtime friend Cliff Weinstein — has quickly sprouted across the South Shore, opening storefronts in Bayport, Islip and Bay Shore over the last three years.
Their team most recently opened in Bay Shore over the summer. The location launched in the first floor of Eleven Maple, the 90-unit apartment complex being developed by Greenview Properties on the corner of Maple Avenue and Gibson Street.
Now there are two more spots in the works — and they’re both in the Town of Babylon.
One is a few weeks from opening along Wellwood Avenue in Lindenhurst; the other is planned for a prominent spot on Babylon Village’s Main Street.
The team has spent the last few months transforming an old cellphone store into its fifth Pizzeria in Lindenhurst. According to Weinstein, he expects to open at 177 S. Wellwood Ave. sometime next month.
He said they picked Lindenhurst Village because of its great community feel and how it has quickly become a go-to foodie spot on the island.
“They’ve been saying for years the downtown is up and coming, and I think it’s here now. There’s a lot of restauranteurs going to Lindenhurst — and for good reason.”
The Lindy location will have about 30 seats and will have a similar set up to Bay Shore, Weinstein said. [Click here to see photos of Bay Shore.]
And now for the sixth location.
The Pizzeria owners told greaterlongisland.com they have taken over the popular Cooper Street Restaurant in Babylon Village. Cooper Street, which has run for decades in the village, closed down just before the New Year.
Located on the corner of Cooper Street and Main Street, it sits on a prominent corner in the buzzing downtown.
The Pizzeria signed the lease to take over the property last month — with big plans for the space. They completely ripped out the old interior to make way for an approximate 25-seat bar and 85-ish seat dining room.
They also want to upgrade the building’s facade.
“It’s the gateway to Babylon, coming from the east,” said Weinstein. “Everyone gets stuck on the light right there, so we know everyone sees it. We want to build something that the village will be proud of.”
The work has started at The Pizzeria: Babylon. Here is the latest progress. (Courtesy photo)
Similar to Bay Shore, there will be an “elevated pizza experience,” with waiter service, a full liquor license, and a menu that spans from different pizza options to popular Italian dinners.
“We offer an affordable family-friendly experience with great pizza,” said Paul, who got his start in pizza making years ago at his family’s shop, Gino’s of Ronkonkoma.
This will be The Pizzeria’s biggest location, both square-footage and seat-wise, said Weinstein.
The goal is to open in Babylon Village sometime in 2023, they said.
Check back with greaterlongisland.com for updates on the openings.
Top: Interior of The Pizzeria in Bay Shore. (Courtesy photo)
