HUNTINGTON STATION, NY – April 22, 2026
After more than three decades in business, Zaro’s Cafe “Greek and Italian” on West Jericho Turnpike will close its doors for good, with its final day expected to be Saturday, April 25, 2026.
The terrible news came in as a pending post to Huntington Matters Community Forum. We declined the post pending verification, then immediately called Zaro’s directly where Justine confirmed the information. Follow-up conversations with the Zarou family made it clear – after years of trying to keep the business going, the decision had been made.
I went with my extended family a few hours later.
An Official Statement from Zaro’s Cafe
It is with a heavy heart that we announce the closing of Zaros Cafe April 25th. While we have weathered many challenges in the years following COVID the ongoing economic challenges have made it impossible to continue. We are thankful for those who supported us and the many memories we’ve shared. You were never just customers you were family. Our family isn’t going far though! We are shifting our focus to EZ Party Rentals LLC. From tents and chairs to foam parties and bounce houses, we look forward to helping you celebrate your milestones through ezbouncehouse.com.
Thank you for being part of our story.
With heartfelt gratitude, Zaro’s
A 33-Year Family Business
Zaro’s Cafe opened in August 1993, founded by Sue and Ed Zarou and operated by their children Cynthia, Charlie and Corinne. It remained a true family business from day one.
Cynthia was a constant at the register for decades. After her retirement, the next generation stepped in with cousins Alex, Edmund, and Veronica – continuing what their family built.
Charlie passed away in 2017, but the restaurant remained rooted in the same recipes, standards, and work ethic that carried it forward.
In August 2023, the family celebrated 30 years serving Huntington Station.
Craving Zaro’s
Zaro’s built a loyal following by doing the same things well, over and over again.
The spanakopita – crispy, buttery, filled with spinach and feta – is the best. It sold out often.
The gyros are consistently among the best you could get anywhere on Long Island.
The chicken souvlaki – tender, flavorful, and never dry – is my favorite.
The incredible hummus, originally created by Cynthia, is still made the same.
Greek and Italian dishes are prepared today the way they always had been – fresh, high-quality, authentic, traditional food.
Prices have remained reasonable, supported by popular specials that became part of people’s routines – lunch specials, family dinner deals, pasta nights, kids eating free, and catering packages that made gatherings easy.
Zaro’s was constantly among the top recommended restaurants in Huntington Matters Community Forum from our earliest days in 2014 through today.
Zaro’s has been a staple for our team and our families – work lunches, family dinners, catering for events, and quick stops in between everything else.
Adapting Through Change
Before COVID, Zaro’s operated as a full-service restaurant with a sit-down dining room and waitstaff, serving generations of regulars. When the pandemic hit, they shifted to takeout, reduced costs, and ultimately reworked the space, reopening in September 2022 with counter service and self-seating.
Behind the scenes, the challenges continued – rising food costs, labor, insurance, delivery fees, and changing customer habits.
The family adapted wherever they could – adding new menu options like bowls, expanding delivery, leaning into social media, and bringing in additional family investors in recent years to help cover expenses.
More Than a Restaurant
Zaro’s has been deeply connected to the Huntington community.
They were one of the earliest supporters of Huntington Matters, donating food to events dating back to 2014. They sponsored programs, offered student discounts, supported Huntington Matters Community Forum members, and consistently gave back.
During COVID, with their dining room closed, they pivoted again – using 3D printers to produce free face shields for healthcare workers and first responders, donating them across Long Island.
They also found quieter ways to help – donating meals to families in need, partnering with local charities, and continuing to support the community however they could.
A Difficult Reality for Small Restaurants
Zaro’s Cafe’s closure reflects a broader shift across Huntington and Long Island.
In recent years, longtime Greek restaurants in the area have closed, sold, or changed hands. Mediterranean Snack Bar closed in December 2017, and Parea opened in October 2018, owned by a close friend of the original owner and continuing to serve the same recipes. Skorpios closed in February 2023. Noema closed in early 2025. The Greek Grill was sold to new owners in early 2025, who introduced their own recipes. Neraki Greek Mediterranean Grill closed in September 2025.
It’s increasingly rare for buyers to take over an established restaurant. Instead, many are waiting for businesses to close so they can move into the space.
At the same time, food costs, rent, and other expenses continue to rise, while many families are cutting back just to get by – competing with more than 100 restaurants in Huntington Station alone – and many more across Huntington – for the same limited dollars.
It’s a combination that has made it increasingly difficult for independent, family-run restaurants to survive.
The Final Days
The decision to close came after years of trying to make it work.
The Zarou family shared that they are sad and disappointed, having grown up in and around a restaurant that has been part of the fabric of Huntington and Huntington Station for more than 30 years.
There are only a few days left to visit Zaro’s. If you’ve been meaning to try them, or if it’s been part of your routine, now is the time to stop in, have one last meal, and say goodbye. We wish the Zarou family all the best in their next chapter.
They will be open:
Wednesday through Saturday
12:00 PM – 8:30 PM
135 W. Jericho Turnpike
Huntington Station, NY
If you stop in this week, post a photo of your farewell meal in Huntington Matters Community Forum and share your favorite Zaro’s memory with the community.
Zaro’s 3rd Generation Cousins: https://www.facebook.com/reel/445521601152707
Zaro’s over 30 Years: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1B2bY2T5TG/
Zaro’s Cafe Facebook Page and Instagram Profile.
