Riko’s Pizza, with multiple spots across the country, is getting its first Westchester location Dec. 8 at the Crossroads Shopping Center in Greenburgh.
The pizza chain, with the motto “Redefining America’s love affair with pizza,” also has plans to open next spring in Larchmont as well as further down the line in Yonkers. Overall, there are a dozen spots across Connecticut, Florida, New York, and North Carolina. It was founded in Stamford in 2011 by Rico Imbrogno whose family photos hang in every location as a homage to his Italian roots.
Each franchised location also features a rustic wood look and family photos of the local owner — in this case Spencer Thune who’s been taking his family to Riko’s in Norwalk and Darien for years.
What makes the pizza spot different from others that dot the county, said Thune, is that it’s the best of multiple dining concepts. “We’re a family friendly restaurant, we’re a pizza joint, and we’re a sports bar.”
In fact, he said, it was his kid’s repeated requests to go to Riko’s over the years that led him to seek out space in White Plains.
What makes Riko’s stand apart
The super-thin crust tavern-style pies — with no flop — are what set the chain apart, something Thune said makes it ideal for kids. Adding to the allure: the sheer variety including their signature hot oil, Clam Fra Diavolo, meat lover’s, margherita, Nashville hot chicken, veggie, and white pizza.
“It’s not a gluttonous pizza,” said Thune, “So you can have a pizza and a beer and not feel full.”
What also differentiates them he added, is the fact that all of their salad options can be put atop a pie. That means chicken Caesar salad, Nashville hot chicken, Chef salad, fresh mozzarella, gorgonzola, antipasto, Mediterranean chicken and spinach, and more. Salads can also be ordered in a bowl or a wrap.
Wings, sliders, and sharables such as meatballs, burrata, Philly cheesesteak rolls and mozzarella sticks round out the menu, along with desserts such as fan favorite Reese’s peanut butter pie.
Sports is big at Riko’s
Sports fans will appreciate the eight large TVs — another key aspect to Riko’s appeal. Six sit above the 20-seat bar with another two above booths (there are 12 booths here).
The chain also prides itself on its extensive craft beer selection, wines and cocktails. Among the specialty drinks are Riko’s red sangria (a secret family recipe), Pepper Punch (with Cazadores Blanco tequila, Ilegal Mezcal Joven, vanilla syrup, lemon juice, pineapple juice and serano pepper) and the Herb Your Enthusiasm (Grey Goose vodka, basil, pineapple, triple sec, lemon juice, club soda).
The 120-seat spot is the 12th to open in the country. CEO and president Carl Bachmass said the company will have 20 by this time next year. That includes the opening next spring on Chatsworth Avenue in Larchmont and a spot on Central Park Avenue in Yonkers later down the line.
And while family is a big part of their décor, as evidenced by Thune’s old photos, many locations also, depending on their history, feature pictures tied to the area. Thune already has some of the old bank the Larchmont space will go into and is excited to showcase those when the time comes (that spot, on Chatsworth Avenue, won’t open till next spring).
For now, his focus is on Greenburgh. “My motto,” said Thune, “Is to start big, then move into the smaller towns and villages once the Riko’s name is a bit more established.”
If you go
Address: 423 Tarrytown Road, Greenburgh, (Crossroads Shopping Center), 914-298-4537, rikospizza.com
Hours: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily
Good to know: Riko’s offers two kinds of gluten-free crusts (cauliflower and gluten-free). There’s also a separate take-out window for items to go.
Stay tuned: 124 Chatsworth Ave. will open next spring in Larchmont in what had been an old bank. Unlike White Plains, it will have outdoor seating. A third location more into the future is planned for Central Park Avenue near the newly-opened Lidl in Yonkers.
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Jeanne Muchnick covers food and dining. Click here for her most recent articles and follow her latest dining adventures on Instagram @jeannemuchnick or via the lohudfood newsletter.
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Get the details on Riko’s Pizza’s first Westchester location
Reporting by Jeanne Muchnick, Rockland/Westchester Journal News / Rockland/Westchester Journal News
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