One of the best parts of senior living is welcoming residents like family and uncovering the incredible stories that make them who they are. Resident Ray Peloquin from Edgewood in Virginia, MN, has a great story to share.
As a local entrepreneur and a tremendously hard worker, Ray helped make Dave’s Pizza a household name in Virginia, Minnesota. From his early days in Big Fork, MN, to running a beloved pizza shop for 50 years, Ray’s journey is a testament to diligence, family values, and a passion for great food.
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From Big Fork to Business Owner
Ray grew up in Big Fork, MN, where he worked at a Red Owl store during high school. After graduating, he was drafted into the U.S. Army. He served one year in Korea and another in Japan before returning home.
His work at the local Red Owl grocery store during high school paved the way for a successful career in management when he returned from the service. Over the years, Ray managed Red Owl stores in Hibbing, Little Falls, and Virginia. After spending decades in the grocery business, he embarked on a new journey—owning his own restaurant.
The Start of a Dave’s Pizza Legacy
Ray’s transition from grocery management to the pizza business came when Dave Masucci, founder of Dave’s Pizza, approached him about purchasing the Virginia location. At that time, Virginia was one of 13 Dave’s locations in Minnesota (there are just three remaining today).
In 1973, Ray, his wife Della, and their son Mark took a leap of faith and bought Virginia, which was located in the Northgate Plaza. After several years, in 1976, Ray moved Dave’s Pizza to its current location on 2nd Avenue in Virginia, which had previously been home to Garcia’s Pizza. Ray and his wife, Della, lived in an apartment above the restaurant after she remodeled it, making Dave’s truly a family-run operation.
A Family Business Built on Tradition
Tragedy struck when Ray’s son Mark passed away in an accident. Following that difficult time, Ray’s other children, Mike and Amy, stepped in, working alongside him at Dave’s Pizza for 30 years before he retired.
Ray credited much of the restaurant’s success to keeping things exactly the same and preserving the signature flavors customers loved. His only change was switching to a homemade pizza crust, which became a hit.
Everything at Dave’s was crafted from scratch, from the signature pizza sauce to the hand-seasoned sausage. Even the pepperoni was sliced in-house, and the beloved subs were made using fresh bread from Pep’s Bakery.
Dave’s Pizza: A Minnesota Staple
For 50 years, Ray poured his heart into Dave’s. Working 60-hour weeks, he dedicated himself to keeping the restaurant’s legacy alive. In 2016, he sold the business to his grandson Corey and longtime employee Mark Ficas. Even after stepping back from day-to-day operations, Ray remained involved. He helped with bookkeeping and ordering until he moved to Edgewood Healthcare in December 2023. The business changed hands again in December 2023, closing a long chapter of ownership for Ray’s family.
A Pizza Worth Traveling For
Dave’s Pizza was more than a local favorite—it was a destination. Ray recalls a customer from California who, upon visiting Virginia, packed a cooler with 50 frozen Dave’s pizzas to take home and share. This was a common sight, as many former residents and travelers made sure to stock up on Dave’s famous pies. When Ray first took over, they made about 80 frozen pizzas per week—which skyrocketed to 2,000 per week, peaking at 3,000 during the holidays and summertime!
People used to call me the Pizza King, and now everyone here treats me like a king!
—Ray Peloquin
Honoring a Legacy at Edgewood Healthcare
Today, Ray enjoys reflecting on his decades in the pizza business. He also enjoys telling stories and visiting fellow residents and staff at Edgewood Healthcare in Virginia, MN. Ray also taught himself to play the piano, playing beautifully by ear.
Aside from those hobbies, Ray considers himself a news junkie these days, and we’re happy to report that he enjoys the food!
Ray’s journey inspires us with its powerful reminder of the importance of family, tradition, and hard work. Thank you to Ray and your family for helping us share this story!
If you or a loved one are ready to explore senior living options, please get in touch with us at info@edgewoodhealthcare.com.
