Ozarks Now

Every great story starts with a dream, and the tale of Rocco's Pizza is no exception. Rocco Palazzolo, hailing from the quaint town of Cinisi in Sicily, embarked on a brave journey to the United States in 1968, with a vision and his father's investment - notably acquired by selling a family cow. This journey led to the opening of a small pizza shop in Trenton, New Jersey, in 1969, where Rocco and his partner Nicola began serving their traditional Tomato Pies. It's a story of humble beginnings, where a simple act of repayment for a cow set the foundation of what was to become a beloved family enterprise. The essence of Rocco's Pizza was always more than just creating delicious meals; it was about family. After a brief return to Sicily, Rocco, alongside his family, made a significant move to Hatteras, North Carolina, in 1979, marking the transition of Rocco's Pizza into a genuine family-run business. His children, Sal, John, and Erina, grew up in the business from a young age, absorbing the importance of quality, freshness, and the art of pizza making. This ingrained philosophy of hard work and dedication to craft has been pivotal in shaping the values and success of Rocco’s Pizza. The transition of Rocco's Pizza from North Carolina to the enchanting Ozarks is a chapter filled with challenges, love for community, and remarkable success. Driven by John, Rocco's son, and inspired by the beauty and warmth of the Ozarks, the family decided to root their lives and business in this promising land. With a dilapidated building in Republic as their canvas, John and his family poured months of hard work into renovations, transforming it into a beacon of authentic New York Style Pizza in the Ozarks. This decision was not just about expanding a business; it was about finding a home and a community to embrace and grow with. John's ambition and passion for pizza quickly resonated with the locals, turning Rocco's Pizza into an indispensable part of the Ozarks community. The acceptance and love from the people in Southwest Missouri was overwhelming, creating a bond that goes beyond the culinary, fostering a true sense of family and belonging. The success of Rocco’s Pizza in the Ozarks speaks volumes to the universal language of good food, hard work, and genuine relationships, proving that with the right ingredients, success is inevitable. Rocco's Pizza's story is not just about its past; it's a chronicle of continued achievement and aspirations for the future. Winning the People's Choice Award at the Greater Ozarks Literacy Council’s annual Pizza Bowl not once, but twice, is a testament to the brand's quality and dedication to community involvement. Competing against numerous local and national pizza outlets, Rocco’s has stood out for its excellence, charming the taste buds of many and securing a special place in the hearts of the Ozarks residents. With the establishment of four locations in Southwest Missouri and plans for further expansion, the horizon looks promising for Rocco's Pizza. The idea of evolving from a single pizza shop in New Jersey to a beloved franchise speaks volumes of the entrepreneurial spirit, resilience, and community focus at the heart of Rocco’s Pizza. As the business looks to the future, it carries forward a legacy of quality, family values, and a commitment to serving the communities that have embraced it so warmly. The story of Rocco's Pizza is far from over; it is just another chapter in a rich history of success, community, and delicious pizza.