The Rosati’s Story: How a Family Recipe Became a Pizza Legend
Rosati’s Pizza stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of authentic family recipes and unwavering commitment to quality. From its modest beginnings in the early 20th century to its current status as a beloved franchise with over 130 locations nationwide, Rosati’s journey is a remarkable narrative of tradition, dedication, and growth.
Early Beginnings: A Family’s Culinary Passion
The Rosati family’s culinary legacy began in 1895, when Italian immigrant Ferdinand Rosati opened a fine dining Italian restaurant and pizzeria on Coney Island, introducing Americans to the rich flavors of his native Italy. After relocating to Chicago, the family continued their journey with the opening of another restaurant in 1906, on the popular Taylor Street. It was here that the Rosatis began serving old-world Italian fare, including a simple yet flavorful appetizer featuring homemade tomato sauce atop crispy bread—a precursor to the iconic pizzas that would later define the brand.
Ferdinand’s son, Saverio, got his chance at success in the 1920s with his own restaurant, which would soon become a favorite spot for many of Chicago’s politicians, entertainment stars, and gangsters.
The Birth of Rosati’s Pizza
In 1964, Sam’s sons Dick, Ron, and Al sought to build upon their father’s success by opening the first official Rosati’s Pizza in a Chicago suburb. This establishment focused on delivering authentic, high-quality pizza, quickly gaining popularity among locals. By 1970, the family’s entrepreneurial spirit led to the opening of additional locations across Illinois. The brand’s reputation for quality and authenticity spurred rapid expansion, and by 1978, 10 Rosati family members owned and operated their own Rosati’s Pizza locations.
Franchising and Nationwide Expansion
Recognizing the potential for broader reach, the Rosati family began franchising the brand in 1979. This strategic move allowed Rosati’s to extend its footprint beyond Illinois, bringing authentic Chicago-style pizza to communities across the United States. Today, Rosati’s boasts over 130 locations nationwide, a testament to the brand’s successful franchising model and the universal appeal of its offerings.
Commitment to Quality: The Rosati’s Difference
Central to Rosati’s enduring success is an unwavering commitment to quality. The brand prides itself on using family recipes passed down through generations, ensuring that each pizza embodies authentic Italian flavors. Key elements of this commitment include:
- Fresh Ingredients: Rosati’s sources fresh vegetables daily, ensuring peak flavor and crispness in every bite.
- Signature Cheese Blend: The proprietary blend of cheeses melts to a rich, golden brown, delivering a distinctive taste that customers have come to love.
- Handmade Dough: Prepared fresh daily and never frozen, Rosati’s pizza dough serves as the perfect foundation for its various pizza styles, including traditional thin crust, unique double dough, and world-famous Chicago deep dish.
A Legacy of Growth and Recognition
Rosati’s dedication to quality and tradition has not gone unnoticed. The brand has been consistently recognized in industry rankings, reflecting its significant impact on the pizza market. In 2018, Rosati’s Pizza was listed as number 21 on Pizza Today’s list of the Top 100 Pizza Companies, highlighting its prominence in the industry.
Furthermore, the brand’s expansion has been impressive. With over 130 locations across the United States, Rosati’s has successfully brought its authentic Chicago-style pizza to a national audience, with over a third of these locations situated in Illinois, maintaining a strong presence in its home state.
A Timeless Recipe for Success
The Rosati’s story of how our family recipe became a pizza legend is a compelling example of how one family’s passion for authentic cuisine, combined with a steadfast commitment to quality, can evolve into a national legacy. By adhering to traditional recipes and maintaining high standards, Rosati’s has created a brand that resonates with pizza lovers across generations. As the franchise continues to grow, it remains rooted in the values and flavors that have made it a pizza legend.
Curious to learn more about the Rosati’s story or how to open your own Rosati’s Pizza and turn our family recipe into a franchise? Get in touch with us today to explore our business opportunities!