Officials expect new pizzeria in Yonkers to bring more to community than just food

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Honey Pizza opened in the Cross County Center. It is an Italian fast casual restaurant, featuring pizza by the slice and Italian street food. “It’s great because I think people deserve that $12 transaction and they can feel good about with good ingredients,” Eric Levine, director of operations for the restaurant, said. The restaurant has been in the works for two years. On Thursday, dozens came out for the grand opening. Honey Pizza is the first pizzeria at the Cross County Center in nearly 20 years. “The first 20 people we hired all live in Yonkers. A lot of kids, they walk here after school and we only hire locals and we’re very proud to have those people as a part of our team,” Levine said. But officials say it’s bringing more to the community than what’s in a pizza box. “It provides a tremendous amount of jobs, enormous amount of benefits to the taxpayers here in Yonkers," says Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano. Yonkers city officials say the Cross County Center doesn’t just bring in foot traffic, it’s a stop along the way and destination for travelers. They believe it’s going to help attract new people to the area. “Cross County Center is doing so many amazing things. They’re always thinking outside the box,” says Yonkers City Council Majority Leader John Rubbo. "