New Pizza Place Opens In Bay Shore

BAY SHORE, NY - A new pizza place recently took over the former Friendly's in Bay Shore.

Slice of Bay Shore opened its doors on Feb. 5 at 298 West Main Street. The location was vacant since the Friendly's shut down in 2015.

The restaurant's owners, Brentwood native Giovanni Digirolamo and his wife Alexis Digirolamo spoke to Patch about their new business, check out the full interview below:

Patch: Tell us about your business.

Giovanni: Gather, love, laugh, EAT! The Slice of Bay Shore is a place to connect. Sit at a table with great food and enjoy time with family and friends. That's what its all about for us. Finding the time to slow down a little and have time with people you care about. Why not add a great meal to that mix?

Patch: How did you get your first start in this business?

Giovanni: I grew up in an Italian family that gathered around the dinner table and talked and laughed the day away. My uncle owned a restaurant so at 14 years old I started working with him. It's all I know. I'm most comfortable behind a counter creating pizza.

Patch: Is this your first business venture?

Giovanni: I previously owned a pizzeria in my twenties.

Patch: What’s the best business advice you’ve ever received?

Giovanni: Do what you love. Love what you do.

Patch: How long have you lived or done business in Bay Shore?

Giovanni: I have worked in Bay Shore for over 25 years.

Patch: What’s your favorite part about being a business in Bay Shore? What makes the area special?

Alexis and Giovanni: The people! We feel the love from everyone that walks through the doors. They come in with a smile and want us to be successful. I can't imagine having a restaurant in any other place. The people here in Bay Shore are special, that's for sure!

Patch: Did anyone influence you as a business owner? How?

Alexis: Growing up watching my Dad's focus and work ethic while running his company definetly influenced me. I also was lucky enough to work for the Beltranis. They took a chance on me as a director of one of their childcare centers. Luck would have it they owned a few restaurants as well. They taught me attention to detail, show strength when needed and to always be ahead of the issues that might arise.

Patch: Did you ever make a business mistake and later on were glad you made it?

Alexis: I'm sure we have plenty of mistakes ahead of us! I think it was a mistake to get a permit for outdoor seating before we opened. We lost too much money waiting around for that to happen. Now in retrospect. I'm glad it's done and April will be here soon enough!

Patch: Tell us something about yourself that people may not know.

Giovanni: I don't know, I can speak Spanish and of course Italian!

Patch: What advice would you give to a business owner just starting out?

Giovanni and Alexis: Be ready for the unexpected and if it's truly your dream then just keep pushing forward.