40 years and counting: Ross Township honors Rico’s Restaurant

 

Rico Lorenzini has spent almost 70 years in the restaurant business. More than half of that has been at Rico’s Restaurant in Ross Township. The Township recognized Lorenzini on Wednesday as the restaurant he opened marks its 40th anniversary. Rico’s story, though, could be a metaphor for the American dream. Lorenzini began working in restaurants at the age of 12 while growing up in the Tuscany Region of Italy.

“I was a dishwasher and after 7 or 8 months I stared cooking,” Lorenzini told Pittsburgh’s Action News 4.

After emigrating to the United States in 1958, Rico landed a job at a restaurant in Green Tree. There he learned the American ways, while still close to his fellow Italians.

“Through them I learned how to speak English a little bit and how to work in the restaurant in America,” he said. Lorenzini credited his wife, Gloria, for helping to inspire him to open his own restaurant.

His restaurant, which sits high above Babcock Boulevard near the intersection with McKnight Road, opened in 1979. Since then Rico’s has served thousands, many returning again and again. His clientele reads like a Who’s Who. Among the famous people to dine at Ricos: Andy Williams, Franco Harris, Art Rooney Senior, Rocky Bleier, Bruno Sammartino, Shirley Jones, Johnny Carson, and Michael Keaton.

Rico’s son, David, now owns the business, but Rico still works in the kitchen cooking up Italian dishes. He said he’s grateful for all the support from his family, friends, community and customers.

“Still they’re coming, thank God,” said Lorenzini. “And that’s why we’re celebrating our 40th anniversary.”

Rico’s is open Monday though Saturday for lunch and dinner.