Owner Merita Kraya (front row, second from left) was the 2012 Fountain Hills Chamber of Commerce Business. Person of the Year and was selected as one of four recipients of the Arizona Retailers Association’s Retailer of the Year in October 2020.

A civil engineer by trade, she was initially hired to design and construct Euro Pizza Cafe. She stepped in when the original owner couldn’t continue the project. Her original idea was to get the place up and running and sell it later.

Originally from Albania, Merita is a single mom of four kids who grew up watching her grow Euro Pizza into one of Fountain Hills’ favorite local restaurants.

“I couldn’t have done it without the community,” she said. “As they say, it takes a village.”

As a business owner, Merita takes great pride in her community and supports charitable giving. She also invests in the young adult community, especially her employees, who have learned independence, a sense of service, and a strong work ethic with her guidance.

“I am so grateful and proud of all my employees,” she said. “They all contribute to making Euro a great success story.”