New owners plan expansion for iconic East End restaurant brand

Uncle Joe’s Pizza & Restaurant, a mainstay in Hampton Bays for more than 50 years, is under new ownership with the pending retirement of its founder Joe Sciara. 

Hamptons Brands, an investment group led by Hampton Bays residents Tana Gerber, artist and historical curator, and Scott Gerber, CEO of Community.co and BrandNext, will take over the Uncle Joe’s brand and restaurant effective immediately. 

Terms of the deal were not disclosed. 

In addition to Hamptons Brands, the new Uncle Joe’s ownership team also includes hospitality executives David Abes, founder of Dash Hospitality Group and Michael Sinensky, founder of SimpleVenue. The Sciara family will hold a minority interest in the venture. 

The new owners plan on expanding the Uncle Joe’s brand beyond Hampton Bays. 

“The original Uncle Joe’s location will continue to serve neighborhood regulars, Hamptons residents and tourists as it always has through its incredible food, family-friendly atmosphere and charitable giving to school initiatives and nonprofits,” Scott Gerber said in a writen statement. “In the coming years, we intend to expand Uncle Joe’s throughout Long Island and build upon its distinguished legacy as one of New York’s original red sauce joints.”  

The 83-year-old Sciara, who immigrated to the United States from Sicily in 1958 with his wife, Frances, opened his first restaurant in Bay Shore in 1968. He will retire at the end of the year. 

“I want to thank everyone from the bottom of my heart,” Sciara said. “I am so very grateful to the community. For over 50 years I have been incredibly proud to serve them. I never could have imagined that a boy from Sicily who couldn’t read, write or speak English could go on to live the American dream. I am excited for Uncle Joe’s to bring joy to many more people for years to come. It is with much trust and mutual respect that I pass the torch on to the Gerber family and their team.” 

Uncle Joe’s in Hampton Bays will continue to operate business as usual and Sciara will remain a regular presence at the restaurant. It is anticipated that renovations will occur in early 2024. 

“Mr. Sciara is the embodiment of the American success story, realized. We wish to honor him, his journey and his contributions to our community”, Tana Gerber said. “Uncle Joe’s is an historic landmark. We will ensure it is protected and preserved for future generations of families to enjoy.”

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