LaRosa's Pizzeria facts for kids
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LaRosa's Pizzeria in Lantern Ridge, KY
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| Privately held company | |
| Industry | Restaurant |
| Founded | Cincinnati, Ohio, US |
| Founder | Buddy LaRosa |
| Headquarters |
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US
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Number of locations
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65 pizzerias (2023) |
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Area served
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Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana |
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Key people
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Donald "Buddy" LaRosa (founder, chairman emeritus) Michael LaRosa (CEO), (chairman of the board) Mark LaRosa (president, chief culinary officer), |
| Products | Pizza, pasta, other Italian-American cuisine (over 40 selections) |
| Revenue |  US$185 million (2023) |
LaRosa's Pizzeria is a popular chain of pizzerias. They serve delicious food in neighborhoods across Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. Donald "Buddy" LaRosa started the company in 1954. He began with partners Richard "Muzzie" Minella, Mike Soldano, and Frank "Head" Serraino. The first name was Papa Gino's. Later, Buddy LaRosa bought out his partners and changed the name to LaRosa's.
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The Story of LaRosa's
It all started in the summer of 1953. Buddy LaRosa helped his mom and aunts sell pizza at their church festival. It was a big hit! Because of this success, Buddy decided to open his own restaurant. He used money from a life insurance policy to rent a building. This first LaRosa's Pizzeria opened on Boudinot Avenue in the Westwood area of Cincinnati.
The business grew quickly. Today, LaRosa's has 65 pizzerias. They make a lot of sales each year, showing how popular they are. In fact, LaRosa's sells more per store than many other big pizza chains in the U.S. This includes places like Domino's, Papa John's, and Pizza Hut.
Growing Across States
LaRosa's started to expand in 1967. They sold their first franchise in Finneytown, Ohio. A franchise means someone else can open a LaRosa's using their name and recipes. More locations opened in the Cincinnati area, like Clifton and Hyde Park. By 1980, LaRosa's had 25 restaurants!
Between 2004 and 2014, LaRosa's kept growing. They opened more company-owned and franchise locations. These new spots were in places like Middletown and Mason in Ohio. They also expanded into Northern Kentucky and Southeastern Indiana. You can even find LaRosa's pizza at fun places in Cincinnati. They also serve it at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Centre.
In the late 2010s, LaRosa's expanded even more into Kentucky. Their first full-service restaurant in Lexington opened in 2019. Another Lexington location opened later, just for delivery and takeout. They also opened a store in Nicholasville. In 2023, LaRosa's opened its first location in Louisville.
What's on the Menu?
LaRosa's is famous for its special pizza. It has a thin crust and a unique, sweet sauce. This sauce is a secret family recipe from Buddy LaRosa's Aunt Dena! The pizza is topped with provolone cheese.
But pizza isn't all they offer! Their menu also includes "hoagys." These are like big sandwiches with different fillings. You can also find calzones, fresh salads, and tasty pastas. There are over 40 different food choices on their menu!
The LaRosa Family Leaders
In 2008, Buddy LaRosa, the founder, stepped into a new role. He became the Chairman Emeritus. This means he's still an important part of the company. At the same time, his son, Michael LaRosa, became the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Another of Buddy's sons, Mark LaRosa, is the President and Chief Culinary Officer. He helps create all the delicious food.
The LaRosa family tradition continues! In 1999, Michael's son, Nick LaRosa, joined the company. He is now the Executive Vice President of Strategy and Business Intelligence. This means he helps plan for the company's future. Nick is the third generation of the LaRosa family to help lead the business.
See also
