Every delicious bite of pizza at Rocco's tells a story – a tale of family, tradition, and a relentless pursuit of creating the perfect pie. The journey begins with Rocco Palazzolo, a young man from the Sicilian town of Cinisi. In 1968, with a dream in his heart and the funds raised by his father selling a cow, Rocco set sail for the United States.
Landing the American Dream, One Pizza at a Time
New Jersey became Rocco's new home, and it was here, in Trenton, that his American adventure truly began. In 1969, alongside his fellow countryman Nicola, Rocco opened their first pizza shop. These weren't just any pizzas; they were "Tomato Pies," a taste of Italy brought to life in the heart of America. With the first wave of success, Rocco fulfilled a promise close to his heart – he paid his father back for the cow that had made his journey possible.
Branching Out and Building a Legacy
Rocco's entrepreneurial spirit didn't stop there. He eventually bought out his partner and opened a second shop, proving the enduring popularity of their pizzas. Remarkably, both of these original New Jersey shops remain open to this day, a testament to the quality and flavor Rocco had established.A Return to Sicily and a New Beginning
Family ties eventually called Rocco back to his Sicilian roots. He returned in 1979, but the allure of America remained strong. Just four years later, Rocco and his family were back in the United States, this time settling in Hatteras, North Carolina. This marked the true beginning of Rocco's Pizza as a family business.Learning from the Masters: A Family Affair
Rocco's children, Sal, John, and Erina, practically grew up in the pizzeria. Starting as young as five or six, they were immersed in the world of pizza making. Under their father's watchful eye, they learned the art from the ground up, internalizing the importance of quality, fresh ingredients, and creating pizzas that were not only delicious but visually appealing.The Next Generation Takes the Reigns
John, fueled by the family's passion for pizza, took the next step in Rocco's legacy. At the young age of 25, he opened his pizza shop in Grandy, North Carolina. Meanwhile, Rocco, basking in the success of his children, began to semi-retire.A Family Move and a Birthplace for a New Dream
The Ozarks, with its breathtaking beauty and warm hospitality, captured John's heart. He envisioned it as the perfect place to raise his family and continue the Rocco's Pizza tradition. With his entire family – Rocco and Theresa, John and Vicey with their children (Theresa and Rocco), and Sal and his wife Melissa – they embarked on a new adventure.Finding a Home in the Ozarks
John and his brother-in-law, Travis, spent months meticulously renovating a building in Republic, Missouri. This would be the birthplace of Rocco's Pizza in the Ozarks. Introducing the community to their New York-style pizzas proved to be a resounding success, to say the least!From Local Favorite to Award-Winning Success
Rocco's Pizza quickly became a beloved local establishment. Their pizzas didn't just win hearts; they also garnered prestigious awards. For two years in a row, Rocco's Pizza triumphed in the "People's Choice" category at the Greater Ozarks Literacy Council's annual Pizza Bowl, consistently outshining numerous national and local competitors, all for a worthy cause. The long lines at the Rocco's Pizza table during these events became a familiar sight.A Growing Legacy: From Family Business to Franchise
The demand for Rocco's delicious pizzas grew, and John began to receive numerous inquiries about franchising. Finally, heeding the call, Rocco's Pizza expanded, boasting four locations across Southwest Missouri, with the promise of more to come.A Family Affair that Continues to Flourish
While John focuses on crafting pizzas and guiding current and future franchisees, Rocco enjoys a well-deserved semi-retirement. He cultivates his garden, takes trips back to his Sicilian roots, and occasionally sneaks back into the kitchen to create a pizza or two (and maybe yell at the dishwasher for good measure!). Life is good at Rocco's Pizza, and it is reflected in the quality, flavor, and warmth that fill every pizza they serve.Experience the Rocco's Pizza Difference
So, next time you're craving a taste of New York-style pizza perfection, head over to Rocco's Pizza. Indulge in a slice of tradition and passion that has been passed down through generations, and taste the difference that sets Rocco's Pizza apart from the rest. Your taste buds will thank you for it!Source: roccositaliankitchen.net
