Bronx Pie owner Eric Utaj came to the United States in 1987 from Kosovo at the age of 17.

Living in New York City, he needed work and quickly found a job in a pizza place. That was the start of his love of pizza.

A few years spent gaining experience lead him to buy a Ray's Pizzeria franchise in 1991. Five years after that, he bought Jovani's Pizza in the Bronx - which is still in the family.

In 2009, seeking a better quality of life for his children, Eric moved to Wappingers.

He got a job at Brothers Trattoria in Beacon making food. In 2012, pizza again called out to him.

"I was missing my younger days and wanted to bring to the community real, traditional pies."

So, Bronx Pie was born.

Now Eric and his family (wife, two sons and a daughter) make classic New York style pies and dishes for the region.

In case you're wondering, when it's time to eat, Eric prefers the classic taste of a cheese slice.

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