ASTORIA – The owners of Sahara Pizza have expanded their 3-year-old pizza take-out and delivery franchise to include a sit-down restaurant.

Israel Schleiss and Michael Withrow opened Sahara Pizza three years ago on a busy corner downtown.

But they found that parking often was a problem for their customers at the original Eighth and Commercial streets location.

Their new restaurant, adjacent to Video Horizons at 740 Astor St., has off-street parking and indoor seating.

The owners have applied for a liquor license and plan to sell wine and beer.

At the same time, said Schleiss, they want to maintain a family-friendly atmosphere.

Sahara Pizza is open Sundays through Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.