Local Favorite Aegean Pizza Reopens After Red Tape Ordeal

HOLBROOK, NY— While Long Island restaurants stayed open for takeout and delivery during the coronavirus closures, popular local pizza spot Aegean Pizza & Restaurant had to stay closed, because its entrance is located inside Holbrook's Sun-Vet mall. On June 21, the eatery announced it was finally able to open for curbside pickup.

Because of the restaurant's location within the mall, it wasn't allowed to stay open under the essential business designation beginning in March. Owner Harry Rossis appealed to the community for support, and Suffolk County Legislator Anthony A. Piccirillo was one fan of the eatery who pitched in to help Aegean reopen. Piccirillo, who represents the 8th District, posted on Facebook that he was "happy to work with all levels of government to get one of my favorite food establishments open for business."

Piccirillo's office reached out to Governor Cuomo's office and County Executive Steve Bellone to advocate for Aegean Pizza. The Governor's office ultimately made an exemption for food establishments located inside of malls without their own entrance.

“As a patron of Aegean’s pizza my entire life, I was happy to help this local small business owner fight to be open, and I was really glad to have a slice of their pizza and their Greek salad on the first day they were reopen for business,” Piccirillo told Patch.