Shrimpy's Burrito Bar Opens In Huntington, Bringing Cali-Mex Grub

HUNTINGTON, NY — Shrimpy's Burrito Bar of Huntington opened Wednesday in Huntington Station. For co-owners Ryan DiPaola and John Nasta Jr., it marks their second Long Island location. In DiPaola's case, it signals the successful opening of an eatery in his hometown.

DiPaola, who grew up in Melville and lives in South Huntington, is a Walt Whitman High School graduate. To him, the second Shrimpy's is a symbol of hometown love and pride.

"This is like opening up a restaurant in my backyard," he told Patch. "To see friends and family, see the people. I’m very stoked about having a business in a town that I grew up in."

The first Shrimpy's opened in Massapequa Park in August 2018. DiPaola and Nasta Jr. had been thinking of expansion ever since they launched their maiden voyage. It took just six months to see how successful their concept was.

Now, the Huntington area will get to experience the "Americanized type of California-Mex" menu that features burritos, tacos, quesadillas, avocado items, shrimp skewers, and more.

"We try to make all of our food items based off of Long Island-type of vibes," said DiPaola, who named the Strong Island Burrito — a surf n' turf burrito with grilled steak and shrimp — as an example. "We try to make it funky and give some cool names to represent the island. We’re surrounded by water, so we give some nice beach, chill vibes."

The lease for the Huntington Shrimpy's was signed late February into early March — before the coronavirus pandemic saw to the temporary closure of all indoor dining at restaurants and bars. The outbreak delayed the opening process for the businessmen, DiPaola said, as they hoped to open in the beginning of summer.

"It was definitely a little scary, but we’re excited," DiPaola said. "Better late than never. We think our quality of food, our quality of service, everything is top-notch. Even with these tough times, everyone needs to eat. Everyone wants to have good food and good service. They want to feel comfortable. We try to give that family type of vibe at our restaurants."

The owners and staff ensure everything on-premises remains sanitized; something they'd been doing in Massapequa Park before the COVID-19 outbreak began. Hand sanitizer is placed on each table, and employees are held to high standards of cleanliness, according to DiPaola. When the pandemic caused many to struggle, Shrimpy's Burrito Bar of Massapequa Park donated food to hospitals, local organizations and nonprofits in order to help people — especially essential workers — the co-owner said.

Plans for further expansion are in the works. Shrimpy's ownership would like to have eateries across the four corners of Long Island: north, south, east and west.

Business at the original location has been going strong, said DiPaola, noting that no staff members were laid off when state-mandated store closures hit.

"In the beginning, we were nervous," he said. "‘Do we possibly have to take some people off, because it would affect sales?’ or ‘Do we need to close down for a little bit?’ Thankfully, all of our staff were strong-minded. Everyone willed through, and everyone wanted to work. We took the right precautions we had to do to maintain great service. Sales didn’t drop; they stayed pretty steady. Regardless, even if they did drop a little bit, that’s a win."

Shrimpy's primarily does takeout and delivery, so the lack of in-store dining didn't too badly hurt the bottom line. Outdoor seating is available at both locations, and the stores also offer catering.

"I just want [people] to know we’re here for them," DiPaola said. "As much as they come to help support us, we want our food to stand out in their eyes and definitely just give them a sense of being comfortable through these tough times by enjoying some good food."

Suffolk Legislator Tom Donnelly and New York State Senator Jim Gaughran were on-hand for the grand opening of the burrito joint.

"I am thrilled to welcome Shrimpy’s to the neighborhood," Donnelly said via news release. "I wish them the same great success in Huntington Station that they have enjoyed in their original
Massapequa Park location."

The new Shrimpy's Burrito Bar is located at 135 W. Jericho Turnpike, Huntington Station. The store can be reached by phone at 631-312-5588.

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