About Us
OUR STORY
The Story About Emilio Finatti
The name 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.
AS A TEENAGER
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.
AS AN ADULT
At 21, I left 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.
Expericence and food
At Emilio Finatti Pizzeria, passion is baked into every slice. Founded by award-winning pizzaiolo Aaron Gehrman, our craft is a tribute to old-school technique and modern flavour. From hand-stretched dough to locally sourced ingredients, each pizza tells the story of authentic Italian tradition meeting Canadian creativity. With international awards and community recognition behind us, we’re proud to serve pies that have put Langley and the West Coast on the global pizza map, where flavour, fire, and family always come first.
Emilio Finatti FAQ
Emilio Finatti Pizzeria is an award-winning pizza restaurant founded in 2005, with locations across the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley. We’re known for hand-crafted pizza made from scratch using premium ingredients, rooted in authentic Italian technique and Canadian creativity.
We have restaurants in White Rock, Walnut Grove, Chilliwack, Clayton Heights, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, and Abbotsford — with Murrayville coming soon! Visit our Locations page to find the one nearest you.
Every pizza starts with dough made fresh in-house, finished with our signature honey butter crust — crafted with all-Canadian honey — and sauces made from scratch. We use premium extra virgin olive oil and source quality ingredients to make sure every bite reflects our commitment to the craft.
Yes! Our specials and promotions vary by location. Give your nearest Emilio Finatti a call or check in with them directly to find out what’s on right now.
Emilio Finatti Pizzeria has been serving the community since 2005, starting with our original White Rock location. Nearly two decades later, we’re still growing — and still making every pizza with the same care we started with.
Yes! We operate the Crust Cruiser, our food truck available for events and is located in Abbotsford. Visit our Locations page or contact us directly for catering inquiries.