Father-Son Duo Open Gourmet Grilled Cheese Shop in Bay Shore

Meet Anthony Leis Jr. and Anthony Leis, the owners of the AJ'S Gourmet Grilled Cheese Shop which recently opened up in Bay Shore.

The East Islip residents opened up the restaurant after Anthony Jr. came up with the idea of opening up his own business after college in 2013. He worked in several restaurants during his college career and finally opened up his own restaurant alongside his father in February.

Patch spoke with the father-son duo about their restaurant, which is located on W. Main Street:

Is this the first restaurant you ever owned?

Yes this is both our first business.

What makes your restaurant different from others?

We offer a wide variety of different gourmet style grilled cheese sandwiches which really can not be found anywhere else in suffolk county, we also serve salads, mac n cheese, and other sides. All of our food is fresh and creative.

What food item are you most excited about?

We are most excited about giving the customers the ability to mix and match different grilled cheese fillings to create a massive grilled cheese that they always dreamed of we are also very excited to now be serving beer.

What is your favorite thing about owning a restaurant?

My favorite thing about owning a restaurant is the ability to create an environment which I have the ability to be creative and do what I enjoy doing. I also get enjoyment and excitement when we receive compliments on the food and service which we pride the most

What do you want people to know about your restaurant?

We want people to know that we went above and beyond to create an environment that really represents our motto "reinventing an American comfort food" from the interior decor using reclaimed barnwood from upstate New York or from the custom built high top seating that was made from a 300 year old tree that fell down it all creates that comfort food environment. We are also excited to announce that we now serve local craft beers on tap to accompany our great grilled cheese selection.

What advice would you give to other restaurant owners?

Never take no as an answer when pursuing your dream , also you will definitely face a lot of hardship and 100% a lot of hardwork and long hours but don't let people scare you away by telling you that it is not worth it or too much work because you never know in life until you give it a shot.

What made you want to open your restaurant in Bay Shore?

I decide that Bay Shore would be a perfect spot to open my restaurant because we live right around the corner in East Islip born and raised , all throughout college/high school Bay Shore was the spot to go for food or just a night out with friends so I really watched and shared how Bay Shore grew to become this restaurant/bar town and I am bery happy and excited to be a part of this great community, we will do everything we can to help Bay Shore continue to grow and prosper each and every day for many many years to come.

What do you like the most about the town your restaurant is in?

I like that Bay Shore really sticks together, before our restaurant even opened I was attending the meetings held by the Bay Shore commerce and everyone always has such passion and input about their (our) great town.

What have you learned since opening your restaurant?

I have learned that people were right when they said it will be a lot of work and that we will not see success over night. I have also learned that I have a great family and Fiancé behind me to support our dream and to do whatever it takes to help out for the success of the restaurant and I cant thank them enough for that.