LaRosa's Pizza
Encyclopedia
LaRosa's Pizzeria is a chain of pizzerias serving neighborhoods throughout the Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky, Southeast Indiana and Greater Dayton areas. It was founded in 1954 by Donald "Buddy" LaRosa, along with partners Richard "Muzzie" Minella, Mike Soldano and Frank "Head" Serraino. Originally called Papa Gino's, LaRosa later bought out his partners, and changed the name to LaRosa's.
Beginning with just one location on Boudinot Avenue in the Westwood area of Cincinnati, the family and franchise owners now operate more than 60 pizzerias, with total annual sales of over $130 million.
LaRosa's signature pizza
is a thin crust variety made with a distinctive thick, sweet sauce
and topped with provolone
cheese. LaRosa's also offers its pasta sauce and other selections from its menu at many Cincinnati grocery stores.
Its menu also includes subs or "hoagies" with a variety of fillings and condiments, such as mushroom sauce.
In 1991, LaRosa's invested heavily in the implementation and marketing of a single number call distribution center for delivery and carry out orders. Its phone number is prominently featured in advertising. LaRosa's is very popular in Greater Cincinnati, exceeding Domino's, Donatos Pizza
, Pizza Hut
and Papa John's in consumer reported purchase frequency.
In addition to serving guests in its pizzerias, LaRosa's is also the exclusive pizza served at the Kings Island
and Coney Island amusement parks, the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens, Riverbend Music Center, the EJ Nutter Center at Wright State University and the Great American Ballpark, home to the Cincinnati Reds
.
The third generation of the LaRosa family now help run the business and have been very active in sponsoring local youth sports programs.
On February 27, 2008, Michael Larosa became CEO of LaRosa's, Inc. T.D. Hughes (CEO, LaRosa's 1990-2007) remains the Chairman of the Board.
Beginning with just one location on Boudinot Avenue in the Westwood area of Cincinnati, the family and franchise owners now operate more than 60 pizzerias, with total annual sales of over $130 million.
LaRosa's signature pizza
Pizza
Pizza is an oven-baked, flat, disc-shaped bread typically topped with a tomato sauce, cheese and various toppings.Originating in Italy, from the Neapolitan cuisine, the dish has become popular in many parts of the world. An establishment that makes and sells pizzas is called a "pizzeria"...
is a thin crust variety made with a distinctive thick, sweet sauce
Tomato sauce
A tomato sauce is any of a very large number of sauces made primarily from tomatoes, usually to be served as part of a dish...
and topped with provolone
Provolone
Provolone is an Italian cheese that originated in Southern Italy, where it is still produced in various shapes as in 10 to 15 cm long pear, sausage, or cone shapes. A variant of Provolone is also produced in North America and Japan...
cheese. LaRosa's also offers its pasta sauce and other selections from its menu at many Cincinnati grocery stores.
Its menu also includes subs or "hoagies" with a variety of fillings and condiments, such as mushroom sauce.
In 1991, LaRosa's invested heavily in the implementation and marketing of a single number call distribution center for delivery and carry out orders. Its phone number is prominently featured in advertising. LaRosa's is very popular in Greater Cincinnati, exceeding Domino's, Donatos Pizza
Donatos Pizza
Donatos Pizza is a pizza delivery restaurant chain headquartered in Columbus, Ohio. It has nearly 200 locations in six states, with the majority of locations in Ohio...
, Pizza Hut
Pizza Hut
Pizza Hut is an American restaurant chain and international franchise that offers different styles of pizza along with side dishes including pasta, buffalo wings, breadsticks, and garlic bread....
and Papa John's in consumer reported purchase frequency.
In addition to serving guests in its pizzerias, LaRosa's is also the exclusive pizza served at the Kings Island
Kings Island
Kings Island is a amusement park located northeast of Cincinnati in Mason, Ohio. Opened in 1972 by Taft Broadcasting Company and now owned by Cedar Fair Entertainment Company, Kings Island is the most visited seasonal amusement park in the U.S...
and Coney Island amusement parks, the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens, Riverbend Music Center, the EJ Nutter Center at Wright State University and the Great American Ballpark, home to the Cincinnati Reds
Cincinnati Reds
The Cincinnati Reds are a Major League Baseball team based in Cincinnati, Ohio. They are members of the National League Central Division. The club was established in 1882 as a charter member of the American Association and joined the National League in 1890....
.
The third generation of the LaRosa family now help run the business and have been very active in sponsoring local youth sports programs.
On February 27, 2008, Michael Larosa became CEO of LaRosa's, Inc. T.D. Hughes (CEO, LaRosa's 1990-2007) remains the Chairman of the Board.