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Z Pita changes name, adds new dishes in Port Jefferson

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One of the longest-running restaurants in downtown Port Jefferson is switching things up.

This fall, Z Pita — which opened in 1998 — rebranded to Joey Z’s Restaurant, adding menu items that are closer to the owner’s heart.

“I wanted to bring in a little bit more of my family’s Italian recipes,” said Joe Zangrillo, who’s widely known in the neighborhood by his nickname, Joey Z.

Zangrillo, whose parents both hail from Italy, added new pasta dishes like cavatelli bolognese and gnocchi pesto.

“It’s sauces that I grew up on,” said the Port Jefferson resident.

While Zangrillo is honoring his mother Marguerite’s cooking, Joey Z’s will still be offering their Mediterranean classics.

“Our popular dishes like our chicken souvlaki, gyros, pitas and our fondue aren’t going anywhere,” he said. “We are just adding more Italian influences to the restaurant.”

In addition to the food, Joey Z’s — located at 217 Main Street — will be freshening up the restaurant’s facade with a paint job.

Top: Joey Z outside of his restaurant in Port Jefferson.

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