For New Owner, Rosati’s Has Been a Slice

By Spencer Trees Located at the corner of Deerpath and Western in the heart of downtown Lake Forest, Rosati’s has been open since 2021. Last year, the restaurant specializing in pizza came under new ownership when it was purchased by Rich Hanson and his mother.  

Hanson has worked for years in the food-service industry. 

“I'll jump in and help make pizzas or Italian beef sandwiches,” says Rosati's co-owner Rich Hanson.

“I’ve waited tables, bartended, washed dishes, worked on the line, and then in the last eight to 10 years actually was on the back end selling equipment, designing kitchens and workflows,” he said.

He credited this experience with preparing him to manage Rosati’s.

“I'll jump in and help make pizzas or Italian beef sandwiches,” he said. “You’re either the owner or the head chef, and you're also the plumber, the engineer, the accountant. You’re everything, like a Swiss Army knife.”

After purchasing the location, Hanson has been improving the restaurant with help from his mother and the Rosati's corporation.

“When we first came in, we made quite a bit of changes. Improving the workflow and morale, things like that.” Hanson said. His attitude towards improvement consists of, “Hey, let's try this crazy idea. And guess what? What if it happens? I love being in that position where I'm able to test new things.”

Becoming a new owner also means reaching out to the community.

“We want people to know that we’re new local owners,” he said. Being in Lake Forest “is kind of like a small family-run business, even though we're part of a big conglomerate.” 

Hanson said he loves connecting with the community.

“We have a lot of regulars that work in the area,” he said. “We are engaged throughout the community, through events, organizations. We’ve done Fourth of July events, concerts, and recently a car show. We are lucky to have inherited a food truck.”

Many people have loved their experience at Rosati’s.

“I’ve always appreciated Rosati’s since it opened. It’s super close to school, so a tradition of mine when I was younger was to stop by and grab a slice,” said local resident Marcel Meyer.

One Yelp reviewer said, “Our experience was absolutely outstanding! Their pizza is phenomenal. The crust is perfectly thin with just the right balance of crispness and chew, spot on in consistency and flavor.”

As Hanson has made changes, the City of Lake Forest has also been at work, bringing infrastructure improvements to Deerpath, including the corner where Rosati’s is located.

“In the end, everything is going to look amazing,” Hanson said. “What’s nice is we’ve actually been able to serve the local workers and help them in that way.”

Hanson said he hopes residents will try the improved Rosati's. If you don’t know what to get, he recommends thin-crust pepperoni. 

“It is nice and crispy -- it’s super solid!” he said. The Deerpath Streetscape Project is bringing much-needed infrastructure improvements to the heart of Lake Forest. Construction can be challenging, so we’re shining a spotlight on the incredible businesses in the project area along Deerpath. Please keep our community strong by shopping, dining, and supporting these businesses throughout the project. Follow along as we continue highlighting Deerpath businesses throughout the project.