For more than 60 years, Rosati’s Pizza Enterprises has grown from a family-owned business into a beloved brand known for quality, authenticity and strong community ties. From humble beginnings rooted in Italian heritage and culture, Rosati’s Pizza has expanded across the U.S. By Lizzy Yeserski
Serving Up Success
For more than 60 years, Rosati’s Pizza Enterprises has grown from a family-owned business into a beloved brand known for quality, authenticity and strong community ties. From humble beginnings rooted in Italian heritage and culture, Rosati’s Pizza has expanded across the U.S.
“The Rosati family migrated here in the late 1800s, and we’ve been a part of the Chicago neighborhood for a long time. Those are our roots,” said Director of Marketing Loredana Gianino.
Great Grandpa Ferdinand opened his first restaurant in New York, but the family relocated to Chicago at the turn of the century, influencing the Midwest food scene. In 1964, they launched Rosati’s Pizza, cementing their place in pizza history.
The brand intentionally sources only the freshest ingredients to fuel its legacy.
“Rosati’s Pizza will not compromise on quality,” Gianino stressed. “By sourcing high-protein winter wheat in our fresh, never-frozen dough, premium cheese directly from Wisconsin, vine-ripened Roma tomatoes grown for us in Napa Valley, California used for our secret family recipe sauces, we ensure that every franchise serves the gold standard in our category. These ingredients landed us in the Pizza Hall of Fame.”
Customers seem to agree.
“We know that because we were voted by the people of Chicago as Chicago’s No. 1 best pizza,” Gianino said. “We earned that title from WGN Radio in Chicago two years in a row. In terms of credibility, that’s a big deal and is an asset for every franchise partner!”
In a crowded pizza market, Rosati’s Pizza also differentiates itself through process.
“Unlike the rest of the industry, our No. 1 pizza topping is sausage, because we serve hand-pinched, fresh Italian sausage on all of our pizzas,” Gianino said. “The other guys prioritize speed over soul and give you a pre-cooked, freeze-dried product. We’re using fresh sausage, so the flavors seep into the entire pizza. The beautiful juices and fats from that sausage are getting into every bite.”
While the brand is widely known for its Chicago-style offerings, it’s the thin-crust option that keeps customers coming back.
“People try us for the deep dish, but they stay for the thin crust,” Gianino said. “Our trademark is ‘Chicago’s Greatest Thin Crust Pizza™’.”
For franchisees, success goes beyond product to engagement. Hands-on owners who track their numbers and seek support typically achieve the best outcomes.
Community connection also plays a critical role. With secret family recipes and a menu that has stood the test of time, Rosati’s Pizza seeks community-minded people, not just chefs.
“We can teach anybody how to make a pizza! We seek leaders who understand that community engagement and customer service drive long-term profitability,” Gianino emphasized.
Looking ahead, Rosati’s Pizza is focused on growth while staying true to its roots.
“As we expand our footprint, our focus is on scaling with intention. In 2026, we’re set to open 15-16 new locations, marking the highest growth in company history,” Gianino shared.
In 130 locations across 18 states, the brand aims to bring exceptional food and value to more communities nationwide. With five generations behind it and a clear vision for the future, Rosati’s Pizza proves that tradition and innovation can go hand in hand, especially when quality remains at the center of everything.
“Rosati’s Pizza offers the rare opportunity to own a piece of a 60-year legacy, backed by a 21st century infrastructure designed for the modern entrepreneur,” Gianino said.
Lizzy Yeserski