New Haven-Style Pizza Coming to Ledyard

Ray Raney spent more than 18 year making pizzas at Abate's on Wooster Street in New Haven. Then, 14 months ago, he and partner Steve Stefano opened Ray's New Haven-Style Pizza, next to the old Morton House in Niantic.

"People drive down from Mohegan Sun for our pizza," said Stefano, who described the main attraction as "hand-tossed, thin-crust, with all fresh ingredients."

Now the partners are bringing their New Haven-style pizza to Ledyard. The two have leased the space that was formerly Colonel Pizza on Gallup Hill Road, next to Pumpkin Hill Marketplace.

"This will be our second restaurant," said Raney, who learned his craft in what could be called New Haven's "pizza district" -- Wooster Street is also home to Pepe's and Sally's pizza restaurants.

Stefano said the Ledyard restaurant is being completely renovated and outfitted with new ovens and all new equipment. He said it will seat around 40 people, and will also do take-out and delivery.

They hope to be open by the end of the month.