Our first podcast is with Sharon and Emery D’Arcangelo from D’Arc’s Pizza in Windber, PA. Erica’s parents and lifelong pizza lovers, the D’Arcangelos joined us to chat about pizza, family, Italian culture, and their favorite recipes on the first episode of Pizza Story Podcast.
The Backstory of D’Arc’s Second Generation
We first meet Emery and Sharon D’Arcangelo in their family-owned pizza shop. Behind them is a gallery wall of photographs spanning 60 years. Let’s jump right into our conversation with the D’Arcs!
Growing up in Windber, PA, D’Arc’s Pizzeria was a place where the community gathered and all were welcome. 14-year-old local girl Sharon had her eye on Emery D’Arcangelo, a boy two years older whose parents owned the pizza shop.
“I was a high school cheerleader, and I had my eye on Emery. So I decided to help his mother pass out the pizzas, and that’s how we got together,” Sharon explained. “The D’Arc family were such warm, giving people and they were so generous with everyone in the community.”
Ultimately, it didn’t take long for Emery and Sharon to get together, and the rest, as they say, is history. What began as a tale of high school sweethearts falling in love over pizza evolved into working in the pizza shop to help Emery’s parents. Thus, helping with all aspects of the business and then raising their four children there.
D’Arc’s Evolved But One Thing Stayed the Same: Family & Food
“When you grow up in an Italian family, you’re in a close environment and you spend a lot of time with family members, and you eat wonderful food every day,” Emery explained.
The D’Arcs traveled to Italy many times over the years, bringing back new recipes to share with the community.
“Pepperoni pizza and meatball and hot sausage sandwiches have been landmark menu items since 1960. It’s always been the same,“ said Emery.
One memorable trip to Italy inspired the D’Arcs to add the Italian sandwich and the panini to the menu. After learning to make fresh focaccia bread on another trip, they introduced Aunt Rose’s meatballs in the cast iron skillet to the menu. All have been met with the highest praise from customers and family members alike.
Nicolette’s (Emery’s mother) homemade wedding soup is another big hit on the menu, along with the homemade rolls and buns. Seasonal items are also revered in the pizzeria; fresh basil and homegrown tomatoes are wildly popular pizza toppings in the summer, particularly with Italian-imported olive oil drizzled on top of the tomatoes. Is your stomach rumbling yet?
Many expect to see pasta on the menu at D’Arc’s, but they have a strict no-pasta policy because Rizzo’s up the street does pasta, and loyalty runs deep in the Italian culture.
Italian Legacy: What the D’Arc’s Hope to Pass Down
When asked what legacy he hopes to pass down, Emery emphatically replied, “Family first, family first, family first.” It’s no surprise that this multi-generational pizza shop has honored its Italian roots in every sense of the word. Their children and grandchildren have grown up knowing their heritage and the importance of family.
“Good food, good fellowship. Every Sunday is Sunday meal together,” Emery said.
“Family and food,” Sharon added with a smile.
When the 18 D’Arcs gather around a table, memories are made and the Italian dream lives on.
Learn More About D’Arc’s Pizzeria & A Story About Pizza
To learn more about D’Arcs Pizza, visit darcspizza.com or visit in person for a slice of tradition. D’Arc’s is open Thursday-Sunday from 3 pm to 9 pm.
Read more about the D’Arcangelo family and Pietro’s humble beginnings at A Story About Pizza.
Tune into the podcast, Pizzy Story Podcast, on YouTube.
