Louis Leggio is an unapologetic New Yorker. “The South is nice, but it’s too laid back for me,” Leggio said. “I’m from the hustle and bustle of big cities with millions and millions of people.” Leggio moved to the Grand Strand 13 years ago, and he said it was hard to find places to buy things he liked to eat back home. “I got frustrated with it,” He said.

So Leggio decided to do something about it. Roma Ray Italian Bakery & Food Market is set to open in Surfside Beach hopefully in October, Leggio said. The market will have its own deli, including Boar’s Head cold cuts, fresh produce, bread, Italian pastas and other European flavors. Roma Ray will also export some of its foods from Europe. “There’s just a million different things that we’re going to bring to the market here,” Leggio added.