Pizza Rays Returns: Old-School Subs and Pizzas Ignite Port Orange!

3340 S. Nova Road, Port Orange, Florida, USA - The culinary scene in Port Orange, Florida, just got a blast from the past with the opening of Pizza Rays, located at 3340 S. Nova Road. Owner Andy Himmer has breathed new life into his family’s legacy, aiming to bring back the old-school charm of subs and pizzas that his father, Ray, established in 1962. The new restaurant has already piqued the interest of locals eager for a taste of tradition.

Pizza Rays specializes in a range of delightful options, including hot and cold subs, breakfast and lunch pizzas, calzones, sandwiches, burgers, and homemade chicken tenders. Himmer emphasizes using fresh ingredients and scratch-made dishes, a practice he learned from working alongside his father in various capacities, from washing dishes to preparing food. This commitment to quality mirrors the philosophy Ray held dear, where food preparation was all about pride and craftsmanship. As reported by News Journal Online, this kind of dedication is what sets Pizza Rays apart from your run-of-the-mill eateries.

A Taste of Tradition

Ray Himmer’s journey began with a humble food truck serving pizzas and submarines at local events. The demand quickly grew, resulting in long lines and eventually leading to a permanent location. It’s this early success that motivated Himmer to keep the brand alive, revitalizing it just as his father would have wanted. The new eatery is designed with a community-oriented atmosphere in mind, featuring vibrant red and white checkered tablecloths and an open kitchen, allowing diners to see the magic happen right before their eyes.

Beyond the nostalgic menu, this new venue boasts outdoor picnic-style seating and plans for a beer garden intended for lively summer weekends. “The goal is to create a welcoming space where families and friends can come together,” Himmer stated. With the restaurant open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., more patrons are bound to flock in for a hearty meal wrapped in a slice of history.

Moving Forward with Family Values

Himmer’s journey from running a luxury electronics business to reviving his family’s pizza legacy is both inspiring and heartfelt. After selling his business in 2023, he relocated to Florida full-time, eager to reconnect with his roots. The restaurant has been in the works since he purchased the former Senor Taco Too location in August 2022, a move that allows him to honor his father’s legacy while intertwining it with his own dreams for the future. The emphasis remains on the old-school methods of preparation and high-quality ingredients that made Pizza Rays a household name in its heyday.

As locals venture to experience Pizza Rays, they will not only be savoring delicious food but also engaging with a piece of culinary history. The well-crafted subs, hand-made pizza dough, and signature Italian tomato sauce are bound to create an experience that diners won’t forget. Himmer looks forward to continuing this tradition and encouraging the community to relish the warm atmosphere reminiscent of simple, old-school dining. For more specifics on their offerings, you can check their official site at Pizza Rays.

With high hopes for the future, Andy Himmer isn’t just reviving a restaurant; he’s also rekindling a community’s love for quality food, one delicious sub and slice at a time.