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The Pizzeria of Bayport buys Tony’s and plans to re-open next month

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Owners of a popular new pizza stop in the Smith Haven Mall have teamed up with a local construction company to open a new pizza joint in Bayport.

Dough Hook Hospitality Group and Bayport’s Zwaik Ventures, together with Carlos Delgado, an owner of Noble Savage Barbershop in Bay Shore, closed on the purchase of Tony’s Pizzeria this week. After some minor renovations, the team expects to open up The Pizzeria some time in November.

“We certainly have some big shoes to fill, and we are excited to win the support of the community, where many of our partners, family and friends call home,” said Cliff Weinstein with Dough Hook. “It all starts with great food.”

Tony’s, a landmark pizza place for more than two decades at 606 Montauk Highway, served its last slice this past weekend, after bidding a heartfelt farewell on social media.

Tony’s owner Benny Esposito and his family issued the following statement this week:

“Thank you Bayport-Blue Point/Sayville community for 22 years of growth, support, loyalty and friendship. We have been honored to serve you for all of these years,” Tony’s owner Benny Esposito and his family said in a statement this week.

“While we are saddened by the thought of no longer serving you our fresh mozzarella slices or penne alla vodka dishes,” the statement continued, “we find comfort in knowing that Tony’s Pizzeria will be in great hands and begin a new chapter of successfully serving the community with delicious food and a vibrant atmosphere.”

Weinstein explained that once a “light update” is complete, The Pizzeria will function as a “classic slice shop,” with modern touches that will compliment a nostalgic setting of the smaller footprint pizzerias of years past.

“Our focus will be on high quality slices and pies, along with traditional pizzeria favorites, such as chicken rolls, garlic and buffalo knots, chicken and meatball parm heros, fresh original salads, select pastas and an expanded catering menu,” said Weinstein, a former finance and tech guy who last year sold his technology company, FLI Charge, Inc.

“Our concept is really bringing the nostalgic, old school slice shop to Long Island,” he added.

The Pizzeria’s ownership team includes Weinstein’s childhood pals and Dough Hook partners, brothers Dan and Paul Saccoccio.

With his family, Paul Saccoccio owns Gino’s Pizzeria of Ronkonkoma. Before Dough Hook, Dan Saccoccio was a financial adviser at Transamerica; he grew up working at Gino’s.

Zwaik Ventures is owned by David and Jacob Zwaik of Bayport’s DJT Development, a company that focuses on residential and commercial construction projects. David Zwaik is a member of the Bayport-Blue Point Foundation, as well as a board member with Hope For Youth.

“Bayport is an exciting town, as it’s a tight knit and supportive community,” Weinstein said. “We are committed to supporting the Bayport community by working closely with local charitable organizations and foundations.”

Members of Tony’s Pizzeria’s ownership team with owners of the incoming pizza shop, The Pizzeria.

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