Popular Stamford Pizza Chain Announces New CEO

STAMFORD, CT — Riko’s Pizza, the pizza chain founded in Stamford in 2011, has appointed Carl Bachmann as its next chief executive officer, the company announced, with the leadership transition set to take effect Jan. 1, 2026.

Bachmann has served as president and chief operating officer since January 2025, and will succeed founder Rico Imbrogno, who is moving into an executive chairman role.

The company said the two will continue to oversee Riko’s national expansion and brand development.

"Carl has proven himself to be an extraordinary leader who understands our values and has already made a tremendous impact," Imbrogno said in a news release.

"In less than a year, he’s strengthened every part of our business—from technology and operations to marketing, menu development, and real estate—while driving meaningful same-store-sales growth across the system," Imbrogno added. "His deep experience, passion for hospitality, and commitment to excellence make him the ideal person to lead Riko’s into its next exciting chapter. We share a vision for the future of Riko’s, and I am thrilled to have him at the helm and as my partner as we forge ahead."

Since joining Riko’s, Bachmann has overseen modernization of the company’s enterprise technology, new vendor partnerships, talent recruitment, and expansion into several new markets, including Florida’s Gulf Coast, coastal North Carolina, suburban Long Island, and Westchester County, N.Y.

The company said he also helped introduce new menu items such as sliders, salads served in multiple formats, reworked salad pizzas, gelato and other desserts, and coffee service. Riko’s cited 16.5 percent year-over-year corporate same-store sales growth under his leadership.

"I’m honored to take on this new role and build upon the remarkable foundation that Rico and the team have established over the years," Bachmann said in a news release. "What Rico has created here is truly unique in the restaurant industry—both from a product and concept perspective. Riko’s is a special brand defined by its one-of-a-kind product, culture, and people, and I’m excited to continue growing our footprint while staying true to the values that make us who we are. This first year has been a rewarding journey as we’ve taken this incredible concept to the next level, and I look forward to building on that momentum to take Riko’s to new heights in the years ahead."

Before joining Riko’s, Bachmann served as CEO of BurgerFi International and previously as president and CEO of Smashburger. He also held leadership roles at Bertucci’s and Ruby Tuesday, including more than a decade as a franchisee.

Imbrogno will now help guide the company’s strategic direction and remain involved in brand marketing and culture, while continuing to support Riko’s expansion through his background in construction and real estate.

Riko's operates five corporate-owned and seven franchise-owned locations across Connecticut, Florida, New York, and North Carolina.

The pizza chain is known for its signature bar pie recipes, such as the hot oil pie, and oven-roasted wings, made-to-order salads, appetizers and desserts.

More information about Riko’s Pizza and franchising opportunities is available at www.RikosFranchise.com.