Riko's Pizza To Open New Upgraded Restaurant, Bar In Norwalk

NORWALK, CT — Riko's Pizza, a fast-growing pizza franchise famous for its thin crust tavern-style pies, announced this week plans to open a new expanded restaurant and bar in Norwalk.

In an announcement Tuesday, the company said it planned to move and upgrade its current "legacy" takeout-only location from 247 Connecticut Avenue to a new 4,600 square-foot space at 85 New Canaan Avenue.

The new Norwalk restaurant is part of the company's focus on unique pizza-centric, full-service restaurant and bar concepts that offer both dine-in and takeout and delivery options for customers.

The new space, located just 1.5 miles from the New Canaan border in the Broad River area of the city, will feature 32 tables, a 37-foot-long bar, 25 stools and 14 TV sets, according to the company.

Riko's plans to close its Connecticut Avenue location once the New Canaan Avenue restaurant officially opens sometime later this year or in early 2025.

"Our full restaurant and bar concept has proven successful everywhere we go, and we are thrilled to bring it to the Norwalk market, where we have successfully operated a takeout-only restaurant since 2012," Riko's Pizza CEO Rico Imbrogno said in a statement. "Moreover, by moving our Norwalk location to the Broad River neighborhood, we have enabled the company to better serve its Norwalk and New Canaan customer bases, which are equally important."

Mayor Harry Rilling said it was "absolutely wonderful" to see Riko's return to its roots and upgrade its flagship Norwalk spot 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. The company also officially announced this week plans to open a new restaurant in Westport.

See also: Riko's Pizza Announces Plan To Open Restaurant In Westport

The Westport location will be at 60 Charles St., just down the hill from Exit 17 on I-95 and directly opposite the Westport Metro North train station and Luciano Park.

Once completed, the new Riko's of Westport will feature a 2,400-square-foot restaurant with an open-concept design, 27 tables, a 38-foot-long bar with 18 stools and 20 televisions.

"In looking at our planned Westport restaurant, once open, we will have six operating locations across the state, from the Stamford-Greenwich border to Black Rock," Imbrogno said. "This will ensure that Riko's Pizza serves every corner of Connecticut’s Gold Coast!"