'Rally To Save Zaros': Suffolk Legislator To Support Huntington Station Restaurant

HUNTINGTON STATION, NY — The past several years have been rough for everyone, financially — small businesses included. Suffolk County Legislator Rebecca Sanin is set to host an event recognizing Zaros Cafe, at 135 W. Jericho Turnpike, Huntington Station, from noon to 2 p.m Aug. 20.

The event will honor a "hardworking, family-owned business that has been an invaluable part" of Sanin's legislative district for the past 32 years, Sanin's office stated.

"It's a rally to save Zaros, so to speak," manager Edmund Zarou told Patch. "If you know somebody who has never been to Zaros, bring them. Introduce them to use. If you've been a customer of ours but haven't been here in awhile, rediscover us."

Zaros Cafe used their own equipment to 3D print and donate protective face masks to frontline workers during the coronavirus pandemic, Sanin's office stated.

"Their generosity, innovation, and dedication to community make them a true example of what local business is all about," the legislative office wrote. "Enjoy their special celebration menu (available for purchase) and join us in showing appreciation for their decades of service, resilience, and heart."

Zarou said it has been "pretty crazy" that 32 years have passed since the Greek restaurant opened in 1993.

"It means everything to us," he said. "The resilience and the adaptability of us to be able to maintain service for 30 years. The changing of times. Seeing all the ups and downs and being able to live through those and work through those. I think it really shows our resilience. It also signifies a strong, loyal customer base that has supported us over the years. Our consistency is a big thing, so it means the world to us."

While Zaros has maintained its consistency for three decades-plus, business "hasn't been so great" recently, Zarou said. A downward trend over the past several years has slowly gotten worse, he said.

"Things pop up, stuff happens, and it gets a little harder," Zarou said. "It compiles on top of itself ... The lights are still on. But it's just getting harder. Food cost up. Labor is up. We've tried to adjust prices accordingly, but we're getting pushback from customers because they're tight, too, at home."

Zaros adjusted by recently lowering prices on all of its pita sandwiches — gyro, chicken souvlaki, pork souvlaki, falafel and more — to $10. The price of most Zaros pita sandwiches had been $12.95. Zarou hopes more people will purchase from Zaros at the lower price, and the store will make up for it in volume. Zaros also offers family meal deals at an affordable price to help its customers.

Family meal deals that feed four go for $59.99 for Italian and $69.99 for Greek. Larger options are available, too.

Zarou said he understands corporations and big businesses exist, but it is important for people to support local shops, too.

"Without the small business, which are essentially the backbone of the community, I think you're going to see a societal shift," Zarou said. "Places are dropping like flies, especially restaurants. The plea is just, if there are [small businesses] that you love, support them while they're here. Don't cry or be sad when they close. Support them while they're here. Spread the word while they're here. Take advantage of the specials that they offer. Even though it's not a big corporate style place, they still do the best they can. I would say our food is better than a corporation's stuff. It's cooked with love. It's cooked with our heart. The customer is not just another number for us. We put our heart and soul into the business. Keep them alive if you can. We hope that they will support us."

Zarou thanked Sanin for the support, adding that she likely found out about Zaros Cafe's struggles at a focus group attended by Zarou and one of Sanin's team members.

"Rebecca is a longtime customer of Zaros, honestly," Zarou said. "She's been coming here forever. She knew my dad when my dad was around 15 years ago. She was a long time customer before she got into politics and the legislator's office."