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Press 195 to Shutter, Zito's Moving In
Wednesday, May 30, 2025 at 2:49PM Zito's Owners Marcello Bucca and Enzo Conigliari
Some big news coming out of FIPS this afternoon: sandwich standby Press 195, which has been on Fifth Avenue between Union and Berkeley Streets for the past ten years, is closing down, and Zito's Sandwich Shoppe is moving into the space.
When reached for comment, Zito's owner Enzo Conigliaro expressed how excited he and co-owner Marcello Bucca are about taking over the restaurant. "We heard a rumor that Press wasn't going to renew their lease, so we jumped at the opening," he said. "This is a great opportunity for us to expand locally."
Press 195, which also has locations in Bayside and Rockville Centre, was unique when they first opened but has failed to draw the crowds in recent years, even though the offerings were always perfectly acceptible, if pricey for what you got. They'll be closing by June 11th, and it will only take the Zito's folks a couple days to turn the space over and open back up.
"It's already a sandwich shop, so there's not much work to do," said Enzo. "We'll do some cosmetic things, renovate real quick, install our signage, and then we'll open."
The goal is to make the new shop as identical as possible to the original, which opened last year on Seventh Avenue between Seventh and Eighth Streets and has developed a major following thanks to its fierce dedication to classic Brooklyn Italian sandwiches. The only difference, according to Enzo, will be waiter service, as opposed to the order-at-the-counter format at the original.
And don't forget: You'll also be able to get your Zito's fix in Coney Island this summer!
Coming Soon in Food, Storefronts
Reader Comments (19)
BEST NEWS! And a serious UPGRADE!
nooooooooooooooo
Guys, #PLEASE# stay open later than your location on 7th Avenue! 9pm on weeknights and 10pm on weekends is way too early for closing. Needs to be 11 or midnight at the earliest! This neighborhood is severely lacking in late night food options, but seems to be growing steadily.
Nooooooooo! I loved Press 195: terrific sangria, great sandwich selection, great staff. Completely bummed that they're closing down. The Zito's sandwiches I've gotten have been good, but their selection is definitely inferior to Press 195's.
I might be interested in this were it not for the fact that I'll be eating three meals a day, seven days a week at the new Calexico. Weekends, late nights, Christmas dinner, Thanksgiving...I will literally have burritos coming out my ass. Forgive me for that last sentence. It's 100% accurate, but still...
I've always really liked Press 195 - their gazpacho got me through a chunk of last summer - but it's true that it felt like some of the spark had gone out of the place of late. Best of luck to the owners in their other locations.
Pretty bittersweet moment. I love Press 195 and will incredibly miss them. I also love Zito's and am extremely tempted by the idea of an expanded menu. Having them next to Bierkraft is a bit strange, but there's enough sandwich-loving Slopers to go around.
Always liked Press 195, kind of surprised they are closing. But, happy to hear about Zito's opening there, LOVE Zito's! Finally a place that makes real Italian sandwiches
What time does the Zito's on 7th Avenue close that people want them to stay open later?
oh, 9pm on week nights and 10 on weekends? that is way too early!
Oh no, Love Press it's been a great meeting place great salads and sandwiches. Love the outdoor space during the summer. I hope Zito's keeps the garden.
Press you have been my go to for 10 yrs will miss you in Park Slope.
@ParkSlopePerson @sterling The FIPS post said that Zito's will have later hours on 5th Avenue.
@upupandaway The FIPS post also said they will have a wider selection.
Seconded. NoOOoOoooo.
And I *like* Zito's. But this is a loss. Everyone could find something to eat at Press 195. Prices were slightly high, sure, but their sandwiches were always good.
Hey, Press owners, there are plenty of empty storefronts on the South end of the 'hood! Cheaper rents down here on this end of 5th ave!
This is great. I used to love Press, but they have completely fallen off since the remodel.
I've had every problem possible there including my order not being put into the kitchen, receiving the wrong food (then watching the waiter give that sandwich directly to another table where it should have gone, after it was served to me), and the food being so bad it was inedible. After the fourth really bad experience, I finally gave up and refused to go back.
This is fantastic news. Zito's is pumping out some of the best sandwiches in NYC. Staff is cool, too.
The more I think about it, the less I like it. Having both spots, instead of two of the same, makes this a better neighborhood. One of the great things about Press 195 were the lighter options, which is something I'm not sure even an expanded menu at Zito's would offer. A beet salad would seem a bit off the path for them, wouldn't it?
Lighter appetites will have to head over to Pure Bistro.
Press 195 has its reasons for closing. They've been great and will be missed. Better that they are being replaced by Zitos, which is truly a Park Slope gem, than by another thai restaurant, sushi joint or sotto voce spin-off. Zito's sandwiches are outstanding.
(there, a positive comment. My negative comment quotient just dropped to .800).
@ParkPlace - Zito's actually has a really good farro salad and broccoli rabe salad.
Zito's needs more veggie options. Last time I was there, it was rather sad. Press had a lot of great veggie options.
You can't order a big plate of farro salad or broccoli rabe and be satisfied with it as a meal. Come on.