Opening Date Announced For Expanded Riko's Pizza Restaurant In Norwalk

NORWALK, CT — Riko's Pizza, a fast-growing pizza franchise famous for its thin crust tavern-style pies, will officially open a new upgraded restaurant space in Norwalk next month.

CEO Rico Imbrogno confirmed to Patch the new location's grand opening at 85 New Canaan Avenue is scheduled for March 13. The pizzeria also announced the opening date on its social media.

To celebrate, Riko's will host a grand opening celebration at the new Norwalk restaurant, during which Mayor Harry Rilling, Riko's executives and other local dignitaries will be present for a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The celebration will also feature live music and refreshments, Imbrogno said.

"We will also host an event to reintroduce ourselves and our new restaurant to the Norwalk community when the weather gets warmer," Imbrogno said to Patch. "In the interim, we welcome all area residents to join us in celebrating the grand opening of our newer, larger space on March 13."

Back in July, Riko's announced plans to move and upgrade its current "legacy" takeout-only location from 247 Connecticut Avenue to a new 4,600 square-foot space on New Canaan Avenue.

A sign teasing the opening of the restaurant could be spotted hanging on the front of the New Canaan Avenue building, which formerly housed a John's Best Pizza restaurant, back in September.

At the time of the announcement, Riko's officials said they planned to close the Connecticut Avenue location once the New Canaan Avenue restaurant officially opened. A closing date for the Connecticut Avenue space has not been announced yet.

According to Imbrogno, the new upgraded Norwalk restaurant will feature a full dining room with a separate bar area, as well as large TVs playing sports and space for live entertainment and large parties.

"This larger space will allow us to serve more customers, host events and make lasting memories with friends and family," Imbrogno said, "which is what Riko's is all about."

He also noted construction of the New Canaan Avenue space has gone very smoothly overall.

"We are incredibly grateful for our vendor partners and the city of Norwalk for their support as we transition from our legacy location to this new and improved space," Imbrogno said.

See also:

• Riko's Pizza To Open New Upgraded Restaurant, Bar In Norwalk
• Sign Teases Upgraded Riko's Pizza Restaurant, New Norwalk Location

In September, Greater Norwalk Chamber President Shannon O'Toole Giandurco applauded the expansion of Riko's into the Broad River area of the city and noted Connecticut's already strong reputation when it comes to pizza.

"As the state is home to iconic pizzerias, some notably in New Haven, there is a strong pizza culture," Giandurco said to Patch. "Adding a new pizza spot in Norwalk expands our growing food scene and taps into this enthusiasm to attract pizza lovers."

When the new Norwalk location was first announced over the summer, Mayor Harry Rilling said it was "absolutely wonderful" to see Riko's return to its roots and upgrade its flagship space into a more full-scale restaurant and bar.

He also noted the expansion reflects the pizza franchise's growth and success, as well as how Norwalk is an attractive location for businesses seeking growth opportunities.

"The New Canaan Avenue area is known for its high visibility and accessibility," Rilling said to Patch. "It offers a blend of residential and commercial real estate to help provide restaurants with a steady flow of customers. Norwalk's overall economic vitality and reputation as a walkable and welcoming community create a perfect environment for Riko's to thrive and for other new eateries to establish themselves here in Norwalk."

Rilling said Norwalk's supportive community and foodie culture encourage local entrepreneurs to experiment and thrive, making it a place where every pizza enthusiast can find their perfect slice.

"Connecticut is home to some of the best pizza in the world," Rilling said, "and we all know that you can never have enough great pizza options. Norwalk's vibrant food scene, diverse community, and love for great cuisine have all contributed to making it a hotspot for pizza. The city's rich cultural tapestry brings together various culinary influences, creating a dynamic environment for pizza innovation."

Founded in 2011, Riko's previously operated on a mostly takeout-only model. The restaurant franchise has since expanded in a major way and currently operates full restaurants and bars at 10 locations across Connecticut, New York, Massachusetts and Florida, with plans to open in North Carolina and Vermont.

In addition to Norwalk, Riko's runs Connecticut locations in Darien, Fairfield and two in Stamford, as well as a recently opened restaurant in Westport.