If you live or have lived in the hamlet of Bay Shore, chances are that you have definitely been to or heard of Leggio’s Deli.
Located on 4th Avenue, this neighborhood deli has been renowned throughout the area for their signature heroes and Italian sandwiches. Following the 2022 passing of the original owner, Louis, his family decided to sell the restaurant to Dennis Regan and Billy Couto. After some renovations, the famed deli reopened on June 20.
Eight days later, The Messenger had the opportunity to talk to new co-owner, Billy Couto, regarding how he came to being one of the new owners of Leggio’s and what he’ll do to continue the legacy brought upon by Louis and his brother, Joe.
“Leggio’s touched so many in the community that it was a no-brainer to try and do some of the things that they did to keep the legacy of their sandwiches alive…”, said Couto.
Of course, Leggio’s was very well known for their heroes and Italian sandwiches, which kept many people coming back for more and is one of several reasons why this delicatessen has become a staple of Bay Shore. Like any management change, Leggio’s has seen some changes, with the restaurant gaining a more modern, updated look and the menu having a lot of brand-new sandwiches.
“We kept some of the top-five sandwiches that the Leggio’s had and we introduced about twenty-five newer signature sandwiches that I created. We have chicken cutlet sandwiches, veggie sandwiches, wraps, build your own heroes, and more,” said Couto. “We’re just bringing our own signature spice while also complimenting the legendary Leggio’s that have previously worked here.”
It should also be noted that the deli has more than just sandwiches and heroes, as Leggio’s also sells a variety of wraps, salads, and even baked goods like cake, cheesecake, cookies, and muffins. They also sell their own chicken cutlets (both fried and grilled), homemade garlic bread, and fresh balls of mozzarella.
Many residents of Bay Shore have showered the new Leggio’s with lots of love and support, with co-owner Dennis Regan taking to Facebook after the grand reopening to say, “We are overwhelmed by the love and support we have received from the Bay Shore community. We can feel the deep roots this place has in the neighborhood, and the memories it holds. We understand change can be hard, but we appreciate the warm welcome! We hope we can continue the amazing legacy.”
Given Leggio’s long and storied history within the Bay Shore community, it’s only fitting that one of their other goals for this new place is to give back to the community in any way that they can.
“It’s a very close-knit community, everybody that walks in our establishment has a story to tell or a memory that has affected them. We like giving back to the community because the community is what makes us,” says Couto.
Overall, Leggio’s is a great example of a restaurant that has stood the test of time thanks to its great food and incredible support from those who have entered its doors and given money to it. The deli is located at 305 4th Ave in Bay Shore, and you will not be disappointed by the quality of their food and how loyal they are to keeping the traditions of the Leggio family alive and well.
