Where It All Started

The name Emilio Finatti is personal. Back in the 1950s, Emilio was a close friend of my dad, Ray. They’d whip up simple snacks that somehow turned ordinary afternoons into something special. Food wasn’t just food-it was connection.

At 14, I was already working in food service (my dad figured I’d bring home free treats). I was a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles kid, so pizza felt mythical. We didn’t have it often-mostly birthdays-so every hot, cheesy pie became a core memory with friends around the table.

My first job in a neighbourhood pizza shop sealed it. I fell in love with the craft and started experimenting at home, chasing that same feeling Emilio and my dad sparked decades ago-bringing people together, one slice at a time.

At 21, I left business school, bought a tiny spot in White Rock from a classified ad, and opened Emilio Finatti Pizzeria in 2005. The community helped me fine-tune every detail. Six months later, we were self-sustaining. Today, with more locations on the way, our goal hasn’t changed: we don’t just melt cheese-we melt hearts.

Aaron Gehrman

The Big Cheese