What began as a single small shop in 1983 soon grew into a mini-empire for Cecil Whittaker's PIzzeria, whose 22 locations stretch across the St. Louis metro area. Like any good Gateway City pizzeria, Cecil Whittaker's specializes in St. Louis-style pizza, whose cracker-thin crusts bubble with the city's trademark Provel-style cheese blend. To this enticing combination guests add a bevy of classic toppings, or select specialty pies such as the Meat Lover or Veggie. In addition to pizza, Cecil Whittaker's also cooks up hot and cold sandwiches, as well as homestyle pasta dishes that reflect the richness of their own Italian heritage. No matter what they order, most guests open their meals with an order of the toasted ravioli, a local favorite and Cecil Whittaker's specialty served with grated Romano cheese and a cup of meat sauce for dipping.