Riko’s Pizza, well-known for its thin-crust pizza in southwestern Connecticut, is expanding into new locations around the eastern U.S.
Rico Imbrogno, a carpenter by trade and self-professed pizza lover, founded Riko’s as a single-location family business in Stamford in 2011.
“After a decade-plus of establishing our brand as a clear leader in Connecticut, the proven pizza capital of the world, we are now on a mission to save the rest of the country from the limited, lackluster pizza offerings available to them,” said Imbrogno, who is also CEO.
In Connecticut, Riko’s has grown to include five eateries, including two in Stamford, and restaurants in Darien, Fairfield and Norwalk. Imbrogno said he would like to have more in Connecticut.
It most recently opened eateries in Levittown and Merrick, both in Long Island, New York, and in Tequesta, Florida.
Two more Florida locations, in Miami and Pompano Beach, are opening soon, as is a South Carolina location, according to its website. These are expected to open by early 2024.
The business indicated that it has franchisees committed to opening additional restaurants in the next year, such as in Austin, Texas; Charleston, South Carolina; and in more Florida and New York locations.
Massachusetts and upper New York state are on the company’s radar. Currently, Imbrogno said there are no plans to expand further west than Texas, but the company is open to further expansion, including beyond the U.S.
“If the right deal comes along to go outside the country, we would definitely entertain any conversation that comes to us,” Imbrogno said.
Luigi Cardillo, partner and chief operating officer, said Riko’s Pizza has witnessed “robust franchisee demand,” and the company is thrilled to begin its strategic expansion to more U.S. locations.
According to Imbrogno, the restaurant’s “casual feel” has been a hit with customers and franchisees.
“It is really a comfortable and casual type of place,” he said. “It has a bar and TVs. You can come in with your kids and have a great time. We have couples who come in. It’s also good for a couple of guys who want to watch a game while having a pizza and a beer.”
