Late last summer, Tega Cay Village Pizza and Italian Restaurant closed its doors after 36 years. Positive comments flooded social media as past patrons relived happy memories with one another. A pillar of the community was closing, providing a sense of sadness and longing for what was and will no longer be again.
Almost as quickly, that sadness was replaced with pure joy at the news of its new tenant, Emilio’s Pizza Kitchen owned by Ray and Meghan Cariseo, taking over the space (the new location should be open by early Spring). This was especially exciting considering Tega Cay was one of a few locations that had been considered for expansion. Reflecting on the outpouring of support, Ray said “When we announced it, it was one of the most humbling moments of my life.”
Ray and Meghan moved to Fort Mill from New York in August 2021. Originally from Syracuse and Rochester respectfully, they both decided it was time to flee the cold weather and taxes. Parents to 5 kids ages 8 to 19, they had always joked with their children that they should move when they got older. Rather than waiting for them to grow up, they asked themselves, “why don’t we just move.”
Moving anywhere new can be hard. Making friends, becoming part of the community and feeling settled can all be challenges faced by both parents and kids. Opening a successful restaurant that’s instantly beloved by the community you’re serving makes things a little easier. Previous success with a similar concept doesn’t hurt either.
Ray has worked in a restaurant since he was fifteen years old. He has a love of the service industry saying, “There’s a culture in the restaurant world and if you don’t love it, you shouldn’t be in it.” He followed his passion to be a restauranteur, acting as an apprentice in Florham Park, New Jersey to a gentleman from Sicily.
Once the appropriate amount of knowledge was acquired, he moved across the country, opening a pizza place in Santa Monica, California. One restaurant became two and he and his partners sold the business in 2003. Not only did he profit from the sale, he profited personally as well, meeting and eventually marrying Meghan during his time in California.
The two moved back to their home state of New York and settled down with their family. Meghan remained at home with the kids while Ray leaned on his engineering degree to forge a new path away from the restaurant industry for a period of time. When they decided to open Emilio’s in 2021, he was still working full time selling semiconductors while moonlighting at the restaurant on nights and weekends.
An eventual layoff found Ray migrating to church looking for guidance on what their next step should be. That same morning, opportunity literally knocked on their door when a former employee of Tega Cay Village Pizza confirmed the restaurant was for sale. The couple met with the owner and they knew right away it was going to work out. “Our meeting was very positive. This is a restaurant that’s been in business for over 30 years, it made sense in my mind to go there.”
The Tega Cay location should mirror Fort Mill’s in almost every aspect. One of the only differences mentioned was the bar area, which will be smaller (a “non bar” bar according to Meghan), and feature craft beers and wine only. Specialty menu items like Chicken Riggies, Utica Greens (both Utica New York favorites) as well as various subs, wings and starters will carry over. The delicious pizza will be ever present as well of course.
As if opening a new location in Tega Cay wasn’t stressful enough, the couple is also opening a small to-go only catering/kitchen/Italian market next door to their Fort Mill location. This additional space will hopefully reduce long lines and wait times in the restaurant on busy nights, allowing patrons a little breathing room to enjoy the atmosphere.
Five years later, the couple and their kids are settling into their Southern lifestyle. “I love being a part of the local Fort Mill community, it’s nice that people are enjoying NY pizza,” says Ray. We’re “very fortunate and blessed to be here,” added Meghan.
Do yourself a favor and try their food. You’ll realize pretty quickly that we’re the fortunate ones.
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