Larosa’s Pizzeria

LaRosa’s Pizzeria is a well-established pizza chain based in Cincinnati, Ohio, with a history that dates back to 1954. The company was founded by Donald “Buddy” LaRosa, who opened the first location on Cincinnati’s West Side. Over the years, LaRosa’s has grown from a single neighborhood pizzeria into a recognized brand throughout the Tri-State region. As of October 2025, the company operates 60 stores serving communities across Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana.

A notable milestone in LaRosa’s history was the rapid reopening of its flagship store after a major fire in 1973, which demonstrated the company’s resilience and commitment to its local roots. Another long-standing tradition is the MVP program, launched in 1975, which honors outstanding high school athletes and continues to reinforce the brand’s community engagement.

Today, LaRosa’s remains privately held and family-operated, with leadership from Mike LaRosa, the founder’s son. The company employs around 1,200 people and generates annual revenues of approximately $176 million. Its operations include a mix of dine-in, carryout, and delivery formats, allowing the brand to adapt to changing consumer preferences and a variety of site types.

In the past five years, LaRosa’s has focused on expanding its footprint in the Midwest, targeting both suburban and urban neighborhoods in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. The company actively pursues new locations in established and emerging communities, leveraging its strong brand recognition and flexible store formats. This approach has enabled LaRosa’s to maintain steady growth and credibility as a multi-unit operator, making it a reliable tenant for a range of commercial real estate opportunities.