New London — Rosario “Rosie” Cacciatore was born in New London and graduated from Central Connecticut State University with a Bachelor of Science in 1997. He opened PizzaPlace in Westerly in 1998 and was named “Business Leader of the Year” in 2002 by Fleet Bank.

Cacciatore serves on the Board of Directors for The Greater Westerly–Pawcatuck Area Chamber of Commerce and supports many community events: Brews & Blues, the Pawcatuck River Duck Race and The Misquamicut Business Relief Fund. He’s a supporter of the Pawcatuck Neighborhood Center and in 2010 won third place for best overall chowder and first place for most creative chowder in their Cabin Fever event.

Cacciatore provides financial support and food donations to Relay for Life. He served as a judge for the New London High School culinary program and sponsors local sports teams in Connecticut and Westerly.

In 2011, he won “The Pizza Playoff Challenge” sponsored by The Day and voted on by the community. The Westerly Sun voted PizzaPlace “Best Italian Restaurant” in 2012, “Best Cozy Date Night” in 2010 and “Best Pizza” in 2009.

In 2010, Cacciatore won the “Pizza Throw Down” with Chef Terranova of the Johnson & Wales Culinary Whole Foods Program, an event which benefited The Westerly Middle School.