John's Pizza Finally Renamed Rino's

For years, Rino Schiano, says customers have asked why the name of his Hampton Bays-based pizzeria and restaurant was named for a guy called John and not his own namesake. It is the reason that after 20-years, Schiano, says he decided to finally officially rename as Rino's Trattoria & Pizzeria.

"Everyone says, 'let's go to Rino's' that's why I decided to change the name," said Schiano, who says his family purchased the location in 1972.

"They decided to keep the name John for whatever reason," said Schiano, who has been running the restaurant for the past 20 years.

Schiano says he added the word, "Trattoria," in the new name because it means a casual place, with simple food, which is how he is marketing his business with the help of his new chef, Carlo Illiano, who hails from Naples, Italy.

Schiano, says Illtano is very excited about the upcoming season and creating new items that will feature local farm products.

Already added to the new menu is a Shrimp Romano appetizer that Schiano says is selling very well.  As is a Ravioli, filled with Broccoli Rabe and roasted garlic and a South American shrimp dish.

Schiano says the restaurant also now features an expanded wine list with wines that have been tasted by Schiano before they are brought in.

"I am a foodie and wine lover," said Schiano. "All of our wines are tasted by me."

The dining area also has some changes with the addition of a new chairs and flooring, as well as a new rustic, 14-seat table that Schiano says is perfect for family gatherings.

"We hope to start doing more private parties," said Schiano, who said he has plans to redo the restaurant's ceiling and lighting. 

is located at 125 Montauk Highway in Hampton Bays.