Franchising

Riko's Pizza opens 1st Vermont location

Local dignitaries and community leaders joined Riko’s corporate leadership and the Riko’s Burlington team for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the official opening of Riko’s Pizza of Burlington, Vermont. Photo: Riko's Pizza

January 31, 2025

Connecticut-based Riko's Pizza has opened a location in Vermont, its first in the state and 12th overall, according to a press release.

The brand has locations in Connecticut, Florida, Massachusetts and New York.

The Vermont Riko's is owned by franchisee Thomas Jacobson, a Connecticut native who has been a Riko's customer and a fan for over a decade.

"On behalf of the Riko's Burlington team, we are incredibly proud to see our hard work and vision for this location finally come to fruition," Jacobson said in the release. "We couldn't have done it without immense support from the larger Riko's family, my amazing staff, or the City of Burlington, who enthusiastically welcomed us into their community with open arms.

"I am thrilled at the opportunity to combine my deep-seeded love for this city with my love of Riko's Pizza! It's a dream come true to bring these thin-crust pies and unique menu concepts to Burlington, and to introduce the unique Riko's brand to an entirely new market. I encourage everyone — whether you're studying at UVM, visiting Lake Champlain, or are a long-time resident — to consider Riko's Pizza a go-to destination for a delicious bite to eat, cheering on your favorite team, hosting a celebration, and making lasting memories with family and friends."

A ribbon cutting was held to celebrate the grand opening.

"Riko's is extremely grateful to the Burlington community for supporting us in bringing our one-of-a-kind pizza concept to the famous Church Street," Rico Imbrogno, CEO of Riko's Pizza, said in the release. "On behalf of the entire organization, I want to extend a huge congratulations to TJ and the Riko's Burlington staff on the grand opening of the first Riko's Pizza in Vermont, a state where I have long spent a tremendous amount of time with my family, and for helping to deliver our 12th restaurant overall.

"Being based in Connecticut, we have a deep admiration for vibrant and diverse New England cities like Burlington, which is why this incredible location was at the top of our list for spreading our growing footprint. As we look ahead in 2025, we are excited to continue this momentum by introducing Riko's Pizza to many more pizza-loving communities in need of a thin-crust 'bar pie' revolution. Now, to citizens of Burlington — our doors are now open, and I urge the entire Green Mountain State community to come on in for the best pizza experience Vermont has to offer!"

Riko's has four corporate-owned and eight franchise-owned locations.