Wading River Pizza Changes Hands; Uncle Joe's Famous Pizzeria Expands

WADING RIVER, NY — Wading River Pizza is set to change hands: Uncle Joe's Famous Pizzeria, well-known in Hampton Bays and an East End institution since 1968, has acquired the eatery, located on Route 25A.

Wading River Pizza owner and pizzaiolo Steven LaBarbera will retire in March 2024, a release said.

"As we reflect on the past six years we are filled with gratitude for the support and friendship you have shown us at Wading River Pizza," LaBarbera said. "It has been an incredible journey serving you, and we are truly thankful for the opportunity to be a part of this wonderful community."

"As we pass the torch to the team at Uncle Joe's, we do so with confidence that they will continue to uphold the standards of delicious food and courteous service that you have come to expect," said Wading River Pizza co-owner Kristen LaBarbera. "We trust that they will treat you all like family, just as we have strived to do."

Led by Tana Gerber and Scott Gerber, Uncle Joe's Famous Pizzeria will become the new steward of Wading River Pizza, effective immediately.

"We are excited to introduce the Wading River, East Shoreham and Rocky Point communities to some of the specialties that have made us a trusted, family-friendly brand for over 50 years," said Scott Gerber. "Rest assured, we will preserve the culinary excellence and customer service that Wading River Pizza's regulars, fans and locals have come to know and love."

Uncle Joe's Famous Pizzeria serves Original Long Island Panko pizzas, Classic New York Style pizzas, and Italian specialties, such as Uncle Joe's Famous Alla Vodka sauce dishes, parms, Original Sauce Wings and signature Dolci Doughknots.

"Family-friendly and community minded, Uncle Joe's Famous Pizzeria cares deeply about the local towns it serves," a release said. Uncle Joe's Social Club, the pizzeria's free loyalty program, offers all members a free pizza pie on their birthdays, a $20 catering gift card for every $100 spent on catering orders, free gelato with every meal for kids ages 10 and younger and other special members-only benefits. Uncle Joe's Neighborhood, the pizzeria's philanthropic program, gives back to local nonprofits, charitable causes and public schools through in-store fundraisers, special deals and catering donations.

Uncle Joe's Famous Pizzeria in Wading River is located at 6324 Route 25A in the Little Bay Shopping Center. The full transition to Uncle Joe's Famous Pizzeria will occur by spring.

Other Uncle Joe's Famous Pizzeria locations on Long Island include spots in Hampton Bays and Miller Place. Uncle Joe's Hampton Bays and Miller Place locations are anticipated to re-open from renovation in March 2024.

"It's our distinctive honor to offer Long Island pizzeria owners the opportunity to join the Uncle Joe's family," said Tana Gerber. "Uncle Joe's Famous Pizzeria intends to announce additional acquisitions in the weeks and months ahead."

For catering orders or to order pizza delivery in Wading River visit UncleJoes.com or call 631-929-9222.

Founded in 1968 by "Uncle" Joe Sciara, Uncle Joe's Famous Pizzeria is one of Long Island's oldest "pizzerias and red sauce" joints, the eatery said.

"Guiseppe Sciara was born on June 29, 1940 in Sicily. He started working at age 8 picking olives and oranges in the sun-soaked fields of Scordia, saving every lira he could with one dream in mind— to move to America. In the winter of 1958, with less than ten cents to his name and lacking the ability to read, write, or speak English, Guiseppe embarked on his venture to America, passing through Ellis Island into New York — a journey that would ultimately make him a Long Island legend," owner said.

In 1968, Guiseppe opened the doors to his first pizzeria in Bay Shore.