The Pizzeria: A Family Recipe for Success in the RGV

(This article was written by Remi Gibbs and was featured in the May 2025 issue of Explore Harlingen Magazine .) Family Roots & the First Big Leap If you’ve ever stepped into The Pizzeria or ordered a pizza from them, you’ve probably tasted more than just great food—you’ve tasted the passion, perseverance, and deep Italian roots of a family that built their dream one pizza at a time. Photo courtesy of The Pizzeria The story behind The Pizzeria is as rich as the flavors that come out of its ovens. The restaurant is owned and operated by the Formacio brothers—Alex, Emmanuel, and Omar—whose last name, interestingly enough, is a misspelling of Formaggio , the Italian word for cheese. While the spelling may have changed over the generations, their commitment to flavor, quality, and family has remained as authentic as ever. Brother Alex spent over a decade in the New York and New Jersey area, immersing himself in the art of East Coast Italian cooking. It was during those years that the brothers began dreaming of opening a place of their own. Around 2004 or 2005, they started saving diligently each month. And with the support of their community and a whole lot of hustle, they opened the doors to The Pizzeria in January 2010. From day one, it’s been a full-on family affair. All three brothers are equal owners, and they’ve poured their hearts into building a business that reflects their values: make it from scratch, treat your team like family, and serve food you’d proudly put on your own dinner table. Quality, Growth & Staying Grounded “If we wouldn’t serve it to our own family, we won’t serve it to our customers,” says Alex. That mindset is more than just talk—it’s how they run the kitchen. From crafting fresh mozzarella in Harlingen each week using curd from Wisconsin, to preparing dough fresh daily from a 40-year-old family recipe, the attention to detail is baked into everything they serve. Opening the first location was challenging enough, but expanding to a second was a whole new level of scary. “It was terrifying,” Omar recalls. But after attending a Pizza Expo and hearing a speaker say, “If you’re thinking of expanding, go for it,” they took the plunge. Today, The Pizzeria has multiple locations in Harlingen, Brownsville, Edinburg, and Mission, with future plans to remodel the Harlingen spot and one day expand into McAllen. So what makes The Pizzeria stand out in a region full of delicious options? “It’s the ingredients and the team effort,” the brothers say. They’re committed to quality—even if that means trimming their profit margins to keep prices fair. Their team follows recipes with care and respect, knowing that every dish represents the Formacio name. Fifteen years later, the dream is alive and thriving. “It’s surreal,” says Omar. “I remember hoping someone would walk through the doors. Now we’re celebrating fifteen years—but the work never stops.” Fan Favorites & Where to Find Them Their most popular item? Classic pepperoni pizza. But their showstoppers include the vibrant Pesto Pizza  and the hearty Stuffed Meat Lovers , both packed with bold flavor and made with love. And don't forget their pastas, subs, calzones, and strombolis—Omar comments, "They are all delicious." Photo courtesy of The Pizzeria The brothers credit much of their success to their loyal customers and dedicated team. “You’re the reason our families and our employees’ families thrive,” says Omar. “Seeing your smiles when you take that first bite—that’s what keeps us going.” Craving a slice? All locations offer dine-in, takeout, and delivery. Call in your order for that personal touch—and maybe even a few secret specials you won’t find online. Harlingen Location : 1610 E Tyler Ave, Harlingen, TX 78550 Phone : (956) 465-1477 Order online : https://thepizzeria.us/ Instagram : @thepizzeriargv Facebook : The Pizzeria Check their website for the location closest to you! From a humble dream to a community favorite, The Pizzeria’s journey is a testament to family, food, and never giving up.