By Tatiana Ortiz
The aroma of homemade pizza dough being baked in the oven with all of its fresh ingredients and Italian flavor moved up through the nostrils as individuals stepped foot inside Rosati’s Chicago Pizza in Valrico. This Chicago-based, family-owned pizza franchise opened in Mt. Prospect, Illinois in 1964. All of the recipes are the same at every restaurant.
Owners Whitney Tucker and her husband Marshall Tucker established Rosati’s Chicago Pizza in Valrico on February 20 of this year. This will be the first one to open in Hillsborough County. With room for growth, the Tucker’s plan on developing at least four other restaurants in this county. To date, more than 200 restaurants can be found throughout the United States.
Additionally, this location offers catering, carryout, delivery and individuals can order online. For delivery it is an additional $3, but does not require a minimum purchase amount. People can sign up on the Rosati’s Chicago Pizza website and join the E-Club to receive emails with coupons for birthdays and much more. In addition, check out their Facebook page www.facebook.com/rosatispizzavalrico/ for upcoming football specials.
Lastly, Rosati’s Chicago Pizza provides a wide variety of food items on its menu such as pizza, chicken parm, fried ravioli and much more. It offers traditional thin crust, double dough, gluten free crust and deep dish just to name a few. Individuals could also purchase a deep dish pizza called take and bake, which can be made at home. It comes in three flavors with prices varying.
The $5 lunch special consists of a jumbo slice of either cheese, pepperoni or sausage pizza with a 20 oz. coke product from 11 a.m.- 3 p.m. for carryout only everyday. The restaurant gives a 10% discount to all military personnel and first responders. Overall, “We are excited to bring real authentic Chicago food to the community,” Whitney said.
For information, visit www.rosatispizza.com/location/valrico-fl/. It is located at 3437 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. in Valrico (Publix Shopping Center). Open Sunday through Thursday 11 a.m.- 10 p.m. and Friday through Saturday 11 a.m.- 11 p.m. Call 643-1003.
