Nearly six decades after its first pizzas came out of a Chicago oven, Rosati’s Pizza continues to expand its footprint the same way it began—through entrepreneurs who see more than a menu, but a model built on family, quality, and community. For longtime franchisee TJ Banning, what started as a part-time job in the late 1990s has evolved into a multi-unit business and a career defined by loyalty to the Rosati’s brand.
“Rosati’s takes that homegrown approach from the old days,” Banning says. “We still make our dough fresh every day and grate our own cheese straight from Wisconsin. Everything we use is fresh—no shortcuts—and you can taste it in every bite.”
Rosati’s Pizza Enterprises empowers its franchisees to embrace this hands-on, growth-minded approach through consistent support and experience sharing. “Most of Rosati’s leadership has come up through the ranks, either working in Rosati’s stores or similar concepts, so they bring a ton of operational experience,” Banning says. “Operations and training are excellent. We also have an advisory council made up of both new and seasoned franchisees, where we discuss trends, operational insights, test new innovations, and work through challenges together to help us continue to grow.”
As the industry continues to evolve, Rosatis’ culture of collaboration keeps franchisees ahead of the curve. “Times have changed, and we have to change and adapt with it,” Banning says. “It’s nice to have a group of peers to bounce ideas off of. I like hearing what works in different parts of the country compared to what works for me at my locations.” That exchange of ideas has helped Rosati’s stay relevant across markets and maintain the consistency that defines the brand.
For Banning and many Rosati’s operators, that sense of connection doesn’t stop at franchise meetings—it extends to the communities they call home. “Community involvement is the heart of success,” Banning says. “Rosati’s wants franchisees to be part of the community, to be the town’s local pizzeria. My first location in Yorkville, Illinois, is celebrating its 25th year, and over that time we’ve been involved in everything we could: Make-A-Wish, D.A.R.E., school fundraisers, sports teams, Scout troops, and even community upgrades like jogging trails. It’s a great feeling to have been around for long enough to be an important part of the community.”
For those considering joining the Rosati’s Pizza Enterprises franchise family, Banning’s advice is straightforward and grounded in experience. “Franchise owners will be their own boss, but they need to be ready to work,” he says. “It takes 110 percent commitment. The hours are long at the beginning, but as the business grows, the balance improves. We also have franchise owners in the system that choose the right teams to represent the brand and their businesses to provide them with even more flexibility.”
Rosati’s 60-year legacy continues to thrive through its proven franchise model and commitment to quality. “It’s great to see new stores open in areas we haven’t been before, like our newest location in Utah,” Banning says. “Every time a customer walks in and says, ‘Hey, I’m from Chicago and grew up on Rosati’s,’ it reminds me that Rosati’s fans are everywhere and there are many more markets we look forward to sharing Chicago’s Greatest Thin Crust Pizza with.”
Looking ahead, Banning says the future of his Rosati’s journey may become a family affair. “I wouldn’t mind opening a few more stores,” he says. “The economy has been tough, so we slowed down, but my kids are older now and more involved. Maybe they’ll take what I’ve built and run with it.”
For Banning, that possibility represents more than expansion; it’s a continuation of a legacy built on hard work and community. “Who knows what will happen in the future, I just know that I have loved the journey with Rosati’s so far.”
To learn more about Rosati’s Pizza Enterprises franchise opportunities, visit its website.
By Abby Winterburn
