Uncle Joe’s Pizza & Parlour: A Legacy Reimagined in Hampton Bays
Scott and Tana Gerber, motivated by their family’s needs and a love for the community, have taken over Uncle Joe’s Pizza & Parlour in Hampton Bays, aiming to maintain its cherished local legacy while steering it towards a brighter future. With a complete renovation, they have introduced a blend of traditional and innovative offerings, keeping the spirit of the original owner, Giuseppe “Joe” Sciara, alive. Their vision extends beyond the restaurant, as they plan to expand the brand across Long Island, promising a new era of family-friendly dining and community engagement.
A New Chapter for a Beloved Eatery
Upon moving to Hampton Bays in 2021, Scott and Tana Gerber discovered Uncle Joe’s Pizza & Parlour, a spot that quickly became a family favorite. The restaurant’s blend of local charm and quality, affordable dining captured their hearts, as did the establishment’s founder, Giuseppe “Joe” Sciara. When the opportunity to purchase the pizzeria presented itself, the Gerbers, under their investment group Hamptons Brands, seized it, seeing a chance not only to preserve a local landmark but also to contribute to Hampton Bays’ emerging status as a culinary destination.
Their admiration for Uncle Joe’s, a symbol of New York’s iconic pizzerias with a Hamptons twist, drove them to undertake a significant renovation. The refreshed space now houses a nostalgic pizza shop and a sophisticated wine room, combining casual dining with the option for a more intimate, adult experience. This revamp reflects Tana Gerber’s creative prowess, recognized in her career as a world-renowned paper artist.
Blending Tradition with Innovation
While the Gerbers have preserved Uncle Joe’s foundational menu items, including the famed panko pizza, they’ve also pared down the extensive selection and introduced new, diverse offerings. Salad pizza, buffalo chicken, bacon ranch pizza, gluten-free options, and Dolci doughnuts represent just a few of the innovations they’ve brought to the table. These changes, aimed at broadening the restaurant’s appeal, have been met with enthusiasm from the community.
Recognizing the importance of family-friendly dining, the Gerbers have emphasized creating an environment where children and parents alike can feel comfortable and catered to. This approach is part of their broader goal to maintain high standards of food quality and service without raising prices, ensuring the restaurant remains accessible to all.
Expanding the Uncle Joe’s Legacy
The Gerbers are not stopping with the renovation of the Hampton Bays location. They have ambitious plans to open additional Uncle Joe’s locations in Wading River and Miller Place, with a vision for further expansion across Long Island. This growth strategy underlines their commitment to bringing the unique Uncle Joe’s experience to more communities, offering a taste of Hampton Bays’ culinary renaissance far and wide.
As Uncle Joe Sciara steps into retirement, the Gerbers are poised to carry on his legacy, blending respect for the past with a clear vision for the future. Their journey from patrons to proprietors of Uncle Joe’s Pizza & Parlour showcases a passion for community, family, and the timeless appeal of pizza, promising a new chapter for the beloved pizzeria that remains deeply rooted in the fabric of Hampton Bays.
