Life-Long Friends Open Pizzeria on 34th Avenue in Astoria

Several lifelong friends have come together and have opened a new pizzeria in Astoria called Bros Pizza, located at 32-20 34th Ave. (Photo by Michael Dorgan, Queens Post)

Jan. 12, 2023 By Michael Dorgan

Several lifelong friends have come together and have opened a new pizzeria in Astoria.

The eatery, called Bros Pizza, opened at 32-20 34th Ave. on Dec. 16 and offers a wide range of New York-style pies as well as wings and pasta dishes.

The pizzeria is owned by Ariful Hasan, 31, and his friends. The name of the business derives from the word “bro,” as in close friend.

The group has taken over a space that has housed a number of different pizzerias over the past few years. For instance, the space was last occupied by Best Pizza Shop, while Fat Cat’s Pizza was in the establishment before that.

Hasan said that they renovated the space before opening, although much of the pizza-making equipment — such as the oven — had already been installed by the previous tenants. The new owners have put in a new counter and painted the premises. A colorful sign with the company logo has gone up on the front of the building.

Ariful Hasan, Bros Pizza in Astoria,, located at 32-20 34th Ave. (Photo by Michael Dorgan, Queens Post) (1)

Ariful Hasan, co-owner of Bros Pizza in Astoria (Photo by Michael Dorgan, Queens Post)

Bros Pizza in Astoria,, located at 32-20 34th Ave. (Photo by Michael Dorgan, Queens Post)

A slice at Bros Pizza in Astoria, (Photo by Michael Dorgan, Queens Post)

The restaurant is the latest pizzeria to open in Astoria, a neighborhood renowned for its bustling pizza trade.

Hasan, who is originally from Bangladesh and currently lives in Elmhurst, said Bros Pizza is looking to set itself apart from competing businesses by offering quality pies at affordable prices.

“I’m trying to keep my prices lower than [the competition] and maintain my quality,” Hasan said.

For instance, the pizzeria offers two large pies and a 2-liter soda for $26.99, while two plain slices and a soda can be nabbed for $5.

Hasan said the eatery’s most popular pies are the plain cheese and Margherita pies. Other options include a buffalo chicken pie, a barbeque chicken pie, a pesto pie, and a vegan pie.

The menu also contains chicken wings, chicken tenders, flatbread sandwiches, pasta, spaghetti and fries.

Bros Pizza is Hasan’s first business venture. He said he became passionate about pizza while slinging pies at Domino’s Pizza for a number of years before opting to open his own establishment.

Hasan and his business partners decided to open on 34th Avenue since it is a busy stretch in a populated area, he said. The company has no affiliation with 3 Bros 99 Cent Pizza on 30th Avenue nor Brother’s Pizza on 14th Street in Astoria.

He said business has been slow since opening, although he hopes that will change once word gets out about the establishment and what it has to offer.

“We’re just trying to work hard and let’s see if we can get this business up,” Hasan said.

Opening hours are from noon to 11 p.m. on Mondays through Thursdays, and from noon to 1 a.m. on Fridays through Sundays.