A Charlotte-area pizza shop closed after 36 years. Here’s what’s taking over
Pizza is making a comeback to a suburban Charlotte space where families once lined up along the buffet for slices and salads.
Village Pizza, a neighborhood pizzeria known for hosting school events and after-sports dinners, closed in Tega Cay last year after serving the Fort Mill area since 1989.
Now, a new restaurant is taking its place — and pizza will hit the tables once again.
Emilio’s Pizza Kitchen, which Meghan and Ray Cariseo opened in Fort Mill less than a year ago, is expanding and making the Tega Cay space its second home.
The new location of Emilio’s will serve the same menu as the original store, with New-York style pizza by the slice and whole pies in multiple sizes and styles, including a square grandma pie and a gluten-free option. Wings, salads and subs are available, too.
“The emotions are extremely high. Taking over a beloved restaurant that has been in existence for 36 (?) years is always scary. But it is our promise that the existing store and new one will not change quality at all and strive for the highest customer service possible,” Ray Cariseo wrote in a Facebook post.
The Cariesos’ plans had initially involved opening a second location in Indian Land, but they found there’s not currently a ready-to-use space available there — and plans for the sale of Village Pizza to someone else had fallen through.
The post was shared quickly, gathering more than 250 comments in less than a day. Many expressed excitement along with fond remembrances of Village Pizza.
“I was raised on Village Pizza from 5 to 18 and sad to see them go. BUT I’m happy to see a new restaurant come in, keep pizza on, taking yummy new recipes onward and upward! Cheers to leveling up,” Janelle Gillam Sandberg wrote.
Cynthia Crowe Jones shared, “I could not be happier!!!! I am a Fort Mill native and have always loved Village Pizza. I was sad to see it closed but on the other hand Emilio’s Pizza is my favorite, and I’m so excited y’all are going to be even closer to me!”
Realizing the emotional ties involved in taking over a longstanding community fixture, Careiso said in a follow-up post on Facebook that the initial reaction to the announcement with an “outpouring of love and support is humbling.”
“We are excited to be coming to Tega Cay. I know it is a beloved spot and why it is scary for us — people hate change when it comes to local restaurants in business for 36 years. I truly hope you like what we will be bringing to the area,” he wrote.
Emilio’s Pizza Kitchen
Location: 5527 Arden Mill Dr Suite 101, Fort Mill, SC 29715
Location: 773 Crossroads Plaza, Tega Cay, SC 29708 (opening soon)
Cuisine: Pizza, subs
This story was originally published January 7, 2026 at 11:30 AM.
