The Pit Stop - Merrick's Game Day Catering MVP

Some people might blow right by it. 

Some people never miss it.

For the former camp, Tony Rubano, owner/operator of the surprisingly eclectic, vintage eatery The Pit Stop at 1706 Sunrise Highway (just east of the Meadowbrook Parkway) in Merrick has a passionate message heading into Super Bowl Sunday.

"From my heart I truly believe that The Pit Stop offers custom catering that suits all budgets," Rubano said.  "Our diverse menu and reasonable pricing along with extra personal, family business oriented attention really separates us from the rest."

Rubano, his wife, Carolyn, and his son Brad are Merrick culinary forces.  Aside from The Pit Stop's incredibly fresh "fast food" (burgers, dogs, fries and shakes only scratch the surface of their expansive and varied menu) they also own and operate Cucina Bay, a 200 seat fine dining waterfront establishment at 3100 Whaleneck Dr. in Merrick .

For the big game, Pit Stop sticks to a tried and true game plan, with a few trick plays thrown in.  

"Of course for Super Bowl it's wings,wings ,wings," Rubano said.  "But we also do sliders, mini-dogs, and endless varieties of wraps and salads." 

Several wrap standouts include the grilled shrimp, mango salsa and black beans; roast turkey, mashed yams, Gorgonzola and avocado and the skirt steak wrap with grilled onions, greens and Gorgonzola.

Their catering menu also features several different BBQ dinner and chicken dinner packages that include side dishes and homemade desserts - perfect for halftime as well.

Whether it be tablecloths and fine china at Cucina Bay or paper and plastic at The Pit Stop, Rubano and family stick to the same principles.

"True homemade cooking, all from scratch," Rubano said.  "(At Pit Stop) we also guide our customers to the most value for their money. Our goal is for them to be happy so perhaps they help spread the word on what we do."

That's if they can stop enjoying the great eats long enough to do so.