People say it’s the simple things in life that bring the most happiness. And yes, that includes food. Through a smile or laugh, Say Cheese to a new eatery in Long Beach that offers signature melts with a side of nostalgia.

“I remember when I was back in high school and it was grilled cheese and Campbell soup day,” said owner Frank DeLucia who opened the space in December. “Something about the old school white bread with gooey American cheese made it my favorite lunch to have.”

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DeLucia also owns East End Café, an Italian eatery a few doors down from Say Cheese, but was looking to branch out.

“I have been thinking about the grilled cheese concept for three years or so. I wanted to come up with a fun comfort food that was quick, fresh and really tasty.”

And tasty they are. The 21-seat restaurant houses 13 signature sandwiches, countless make it your own options and of course the classic white bread with American cheese.

As far as signature melts go, the fan favorites have been the Mighty Mac with creamy housemade mac and cheese and sharp cheddar, as well as the Smokin’ Joe with BBQ pulled pork, applewood bacon, sharp cheddar, pepper jack and smokey chipotle aioli. There’s also DeLucia’s go-to: the Aristocrat made with certified Angus Beef short rib, crispy fried onions and horseradish and chive havarti.

image: say cheese

Any of the delicious sandwiches served on either white, sourdough or wheat berry bread fare wonderfully with Parmesan Truffle Fries, French fries, sweet tots, house slaw or classic tomato soup.

And one more fun twist. “Customers place their order and pick it up at the counter. There is no waitresses service; it is very fast with fresh quality ingredients,” DeLucia added.

Its rustic furnishings enhance the casual nature of Say Cheese. There is a corrugated metal counter with a wooden top, cedar plank on the walls and hints of maroon and yellow showcased throughout the space.

DeLucia hopes to expand the restaurant to a few more spots on Long Island in the coming years and is working on establishing an online ordering system by the end of the month.

“Say Cheese really takes customers back to being a kid with good combinations of tasty food.”

Say Cheese is located at 655 East Park Ave, Long Beach