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By Valerie Gordon
There’s something that’s always been lacking in Hampton Bays: a good Greek restaurant.
Not anymore. On September 20, locals will be able to sink their teeth into a beef-lamb-, chicken- or pork-stuffed pita bread, dripping with tzatziki sauce, at Hampton Gyro & Grill on Montauk Highway.
The 2,500-square-foot fast casual restaurant, formerly home to Moe’s Southwest Grill, is the newest addition to the Tiana Shopping Center, which also houses Wild by Nature, Dollar Tree and Domino’s Pizza. The owner Mike Dzanoucakis signed a long-term lease with Robert Delavale, of Garden City-based Breslin Realty Development Corp., in March.
“I saw the need for it,” Mr. Dzanoucakis said. “I grew up in Queens where every block there’s a gyro place, so when I moved out here I always thought it would be good to have one here.”
The 60-seat dining spot will be open Monday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and will feature Greek-American classics like gyros and chicken souvlaki, plus burgers, salads, wings and more. “You can’t have Greek every day,” Mr. Dzanoucakis' father and co-owner, Bill Dzanoucakis said with a chuckle.
The younger restaurateur, 47, who also owns multiple casual dining spots in the Tanger Outlets food court in Riverhead, said that he wanted to appeal to those looking for a quick bite on their lunch break. With online ordering and in-and-out service, he said that customers could have their perfect Greek or American classic within five minutes.
“There’s no place to go quickly for a burger,” the Manorville resident said. “Let’s say you’re on a 30-minute lunch break—I wanted it to be a reasonable place where you can come and go how you please.”
Reasonable seemed to be an ongoing theme when creating the menu as well. Once the year-round restaurant opens, locals and out-of-towners will be able to get a gyro, wrap or salad for less than $10.
“There’s a significant need for that in Hampton Bays,” said East Quogue resident Jessica Morales, who frequents the hamlet for lunch. “It’s always nice to have different food options and I love the idea of get in and get out.”
And for those who want to enjoy something after-hours, staff will be happy to provide a bottled beer or single-serve wine for their patrons.
The younger Mr. Dzanoucakis explained that he completed minor aesthetic upgrades, including refacing the overhead paneling with reclaimed wood to match the dark-wood flooring, and painting with warm tones to create a welcoming and friendly environment.
“There’s nothing like it around,” he said. “We’re ready to go.”
on Aug 31, 2018