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Brewster Residents Have Been Serving Up Slices For 23 Years

OSSINING, N.Y. -- If you attended Ossining High School over the last 20 years, you've had a slice at Lucy's.

Tony Arpaia gets ready to serve up a slice at Lucy's in Ossining.

Tony Arpaia gets ready to serve up a slice at Lucy's in Ossining.

Photo Credit: Sam Barron
Herman Herrera starts making a slice at Lucy's Pizza in Ossining.

Herman Herrera starts making a slice at Lucy's Pizza in Ossining.

Photo Credit: Sam Barron

Chances are, you've had many of them.

The popular pizzeria has become an Ossining institution. Located across the street from Ossining High School, the place is packed when students are on their lunch break or let out of school. The restaurant was named after a previous owner's wife. 

Tony Arpaia and Tony Castellano, both residents of Brewster and natives of Mount Vernon, took over the restaurant in 1989. Herman Herrera, an Ossining resident, has worked at the pizzeria for almost 20 years.

The restaurant was destroyed by a fire in 2003, but reopened in 2007. 

"We were looking to run a pizzeria and this was the best deal available," Arpaia said. "I figured this was something I could do a good job at."

Arpaia said on school days, his staff makes sure they are ready for the stampede of high schoolers coming in.

"It can get pretty hectic," Arpaia said. "The school's schedule has been consistent through the years so you learn and you make sure you serve people quickly. If you get backed up or confused, that's it."

Having been in Ossining  since 1989, Arpaia has seen several generations of customers in Ossining come through his doors. Kids who couldn't see over the counter now bring their own children to Lucy's. Arapaia said that no matter what pizzeria someone's family go to, if they attend Ossining High School, they'll try a slice at Lucy's. 

"We've always been consistent," Arpaia said. "We're here, we're available and we do things right. We've blended in with the Ossining community. We may not be your first slice, but eventually you'll come to us."

Arpaia said the location is a huge plus for Lucy's and he enjoys looking out of the restaurant's big windows.

"You see some of the day go by," Arpaia said.

While Arpaia enjoys running Lucy's and getting to interact with his customers, he said it is not without challenges.

"You have to be there all the time, and you end up working all day," Arpaia said.

When it comes to his food, Arpaia said he's just fine eating a plain slice and he loves pasta with broccoli. Customers love the penne vodka, chicken pizzas and chicken parm wedges. Arpaia said he always makes sure to have a slice a day.

Lucy's Pizza is located at 26 South Highland Ave. 

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