Umberto’s of Oyster Bay, a well-known pizza shop on Main Street, is preparing to expand its operations by moving into the former Frank’s Steaks location on Jericho Turnpike in Westbury, which shuttered in 2024 after 35 years in business.
A Long Island pizzeria for 47 years and counting, Umberto’s took over the Oyster Bay location in 2020. The location flourished with takeout and delivery orders during the COVID-19 pandemic. As business boomed, the owners, who also run restaurants in Floral Park, Sayville, and Wantagh, looked to expand their in-house dining, said co-owner Carla Loeven.
“One of the best parts of owning a restaurant is getting to know your customers,” said Loeven. “But we were missing that at our Oyster Bay location due to the tiny space and lack of seating.”
Loeven estimates having 50-60 seats at the new Westbury location, which will be renovated for an upcoming summer opening, pending permits. Without any competing pizza shops in the new strip mall location, Umberto’s will look to continue their long-running success.
Another advantage of the new Westbury spot is being able to provide a full menu and host small groups there, Loeven said, noting her love for menu creation.
Loeven expressed gratitude for their time in the Oyster Bay community. She said that it was a hard decision to close their restaurant, but after exploring options to expand their operations in “the lovely town” didn’t pan out, she knew it was time for a move.
“We don’t close stores often,” she said. “But now we’re excited to reconnect with customers in our new space.”
Carlo Corteo, Loeven’s father, who was a pioneer of the original Umberto’s, is also a co-owner of the new Westbury location, along with family members Mike Corteo, Rich Loeven, and Alex and Marco Coppola.
Frank’s Steaks, known as an affordable steakhouse, had a second location opened in 2002 in Rockville Centre, which is currently listed as “temporarily closed.”
