Thirty years ago this December, Ray Salti opened the first Pepperoni’s, a New York-style pizza parlor, located at 3721 Hwy. 6, Sugar Land. Since then, Ray has opened 13 more locations, including four franchised locations, and has plans to expand beyond the Greater Houston area.

“We just started advertising our franchises,” Ray said. “We have people calling from all over Texas now.”

There are two Pepperoni’s locations in Sugar Land and two in Missouri City, and the once-small pizza company is still a family business. Ray’s sister, Suzi Salti, manages several locations, and Ray’s wife and children are also involved in the business. Ray said he loves getting to work with his family.

Ray saw the need for a healthier pizza, and he said this is what separates the family-oriented restaurant from other pizza chains. Over the years, his sons inspired him to search for high-quality ingredients to use in Pepperoni’s food, he said.

“I would take extra pizza home with me every night, so I wanted to make sure they were eating good food,” Ray said.

Even though his sons are now grown, Ray said he continues to look for the best ingredients.

“[We’re] always looking for the best pepperonis, the best cheese,” Ray said. “Even now after 30 years, we go to food shows, we talk to manufacturers and suppliers, looking for more advanced products that can fit this concept.”

Pepperoni’s also offers a variety of pizzas and toppings that can accommodate gluten-free, vegan and keto dietary needs.

In addition to pizza, Pepperoni’s rounds out its menu with salads, subs and gyros, pastas, wings and desserts.

Ray said the most rewarding part of owning Pepperoni’s is getting to do what he loves.

“Making good food is a part of who we are,” Ray said.