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.

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 flavor. 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 flavor, fire, and family always come first.