News

Rosati's pizza chain co-founder dies at 88

May 9, 2017

One of three brothers to found Rosati's has died. Alfred Rosati, 88, who helped launch the chain's first locations in the Chicago suburbs in 1964, died April 27,207,  according to the Daily Herald. 

The chain's first Chicago-area location grew to a national system, beginning in the 1970s. The newspaper said Rosati, of Crystal Lake, died April 27 after a long illness.

Alfred Rosati initially owned a pizza ingredient company, called Polona Pizza, but sold it to join his brothers in ownership of the suburban restaurant. Together, they started what would become an iconic pizza brand, which now has more than 200 units across the country.

The brothers were among 10 children in the Saverio family, which owned a Chicago pizzeria beginning in 1927. A second Rosati's was opened in 1967 in Niles, followed by one in Arlington height. Once the chain encompassed seven sites, the brothers' sons took over and began franchising the concept.

He and his wife, Janet, have a daughter, two sons, nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Services are at 2 p.m. today at St. Mary Catholic Church in Huntley.