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Franchise Insights

Rosati’s Pizza Celebrates 50th Anniversary with a Trip to Naples

In celebration of their 50th anniversary, Rosati’s Pizza is taking their customers back in time with a chance to win a trip to Naples, Italy. An online interactive campaign will give customers the opportunity to win free Rosati’s products, coupons and sponsored prizes daily. Those who participate will ultimately become entered into a sweepstakes for a grand prize of an all-inclusive, weeklong trip for two to Naples, Italy.

The 50th anniversary celebrations will kick-off at the first Rosati’s Pizza Pub in Yorkville, IL and the online sweepstakes will begin mid-April. The entire family and Rosati’s owners are extremely excited for the milestone. They want to show appreciation to all of their loyal customers who have helped them achieve their golden bicentennial by giving them a chance of a lifetime.

In the early 1900’s, Sam Rosati came to Chicago with a dream of opening an authentic Italian restaurant. Cooking and entertaining were his two passions. His passions empowered him to open up his first Italian restaurant on Chicago’s famous Taylor Street.

“Our grandpa was a host extraordinaire, greeting each guest like an old friend. He treated everyone to his special appetizer; a small pie, made with a cracker thin crust, smothered with his homemade sauce, and covered with a thin layer of cheese. He called his creation “Pizza A’Olia” and the people loved it!” said Anthony Rosati.

By 1927, the restaurant became a favorite watering hole for the old Chicago society and Windy City politicians. On any given night Jack Haley, famous for his role as the “Tin Man” in The Wizard of Oz could be seen enjoying a hearty helping of Sam’s homemade lasagna. Though contrary to popular belief, notorious gangster, Al Capone and his entourage could also be found sharing a favorite dish of pasta with so-called “nemesis”, Eliot Ness.

In 1964, the sons Al, Dick, Ron and Fred decided to expand and opened the first carry out and delivery restaurant in a Northwest Chicago suburb, Mount Prospect, IL. Sam’s grandsons still operate the location and as of 2014, the family has franchised close to 200 locations throughout the United States. Their menu consists of original Italian dishes from family recipes, a variety of Chicago-style pizzas, sandwiches, salads and desserts.

The original four brothers who envisioned the concept of Rosati’s Pizza are all alive and well and able to see how far their efforts have taken them.

“The golden anniversary is an exciting milestone for our family, owners and customers and although we have been in business creating homemade Italian dishes for more than 100 years, “Rosati’s Pizza” was first introduced as a carryout and delivery concept in 1964 and then we became serious about franchising in 2003. Our newest models are now our full-service Rosati’s Pizza Pubs and centralized catering program,” said Rosati. “As uncle Al would say, “feed the people!” and that is exactly what we will continue to do for many generations to come.”

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