Classic Tucson Pizza Shop Is Closing Original Pizzeria, Moving Locations

Grab a slice of Chicago deep-dish pizzaPhoto byChenyu GuanonUnsplash

An old restaurant friend is saying goodbye here in Tucson. Or, at least the location of the restaurant is. Whether you’re a longtime local of the Old Pueblo, or you recently made the move, chances are you’ve at least seen the Rocco’s Little Chicago Pizzeria sign at 2707 East Broadway. It might not have the same pizzaz as other neon signs of yesteryear scattered about the city, but Rocco’s sign has remained a steadfast reminder to anyone driving along Broadway. It’s about as classic as its classic Chicago deep-dish pizza. And while the pizza isn’t going away, the sign certainly is. 

Rocco’s Little Chicago has had a cozy interior since it opened over 25 years ago. It has long been the go-to destination for anyone craving a thicker helping of Chicago pie. And there was something about the smaller interior. It gave it a hole-in-the-wall vibe, even with the large windows overlooking the city. It felt like a pizzeria you’d stumble onto when walking in the suburbs of Chicago or another major metropolis. And while the smaller nature of the restaurant might have been perfectly fine for patrons, Anthony “Rocco” DiGrazia wanted to spread his elbows a bit. After all, if you’ve worked in a cramped kitchen, you know how claustrophobic it can get. 

Rocco’s isn’t moving far. In fact, it’s moving about two blocks down the street to 2555 East Broadway. So you won’t need to remember a new address. Just hop in the car and drive like you normally would. The space is larger and there will be an updated interior. However, the major bummer to the move is the classic sign will be going away. At least on the exterior. 

The sign will be used as decor on the inside of the restaurant, but based on city regulations and new building codes, restaurants are not allowed to have roadside marquees. Whether it’s distracting to drivers, takes up too much real estate, or the city is trying to move away from signs and posts along the road, who knows, but that bit of classic Tucson will be going away. 

The move is more than just a means of expanding the shop. Love them or hate them, Rio Nuevo gave Rocco’s a half-million dollar loan to renovate the new space, and, almost more importantly, it comes with a 25-year lease. With the constantly rising costs of commercial rental properties around the city, being able to secure a long-term agreement is of critical importance, and hopefully ensures Rocco’s Little Chicago will remain in Tucson for decades to come.