Pizza chain that got ‘very warm Lexington welcome’ closes only dine-in location
A major Lexington pizza chain has closed its first Lexington location.
LaRosa’s Family Pizzeria, which opened in May 2019 to big fanfare, has closed its dine-in location at 2890 Richmond Road, the first one opened in Central Kentucky in many years. The restaurant’s last day was Sunday July 30, according to a news release.
Another restaurant will be coming soon to the closed location on Richmond Road. One Holland CEO Gary Holland said that he plans to bring a Dunkin’ (sometimes known as Dunkin’ Donuts or DD to hardcore fans) to the location between his First Watch and Skyline Chili restaurants.
“When we opened LaRosa’s Richmond Road in May of 2019, we received a very warm Lexington welcome. Unfortunately, over time, sales have not quite met our expectations, so we have made the difficult decision to close our pizzeria on Richmond Road,” said Dillon Adams, LaRosa’s franchise owner representative.
LaRosa’s will continue to serve guests at its Southland LaRosa’s at 115 Southland Drive, which features a drive-up, pick-up window for carryout and delivery of its diverse menu of over 40 items which includes pizza, calzones, hoagys, pasta, appetizers, salads, soups, desserts and special kids’ meals.
“I’d like to thank our Richmond Road team members for their dedication to serving our Guests. We’ve offered them all positions at area LaRosa’s or at other nearby restaurants that we operate,” Adams said. “We’d like to thank our Richmond Road guests and hope they’ll consider visiting our Southland pizzeria,” he said.
LaRosa’s Gift Cards or Buddy Cards purchased at Richmond Road LaRosa’s can be redeemed at any LaRosa’s pizzeria.
The Cincinnati-based pizza chain location was opened by Holland Development, which also owns franchises of Skyline Chili and First Watch.
Holland, the CEO of One Holland Corp., said at the time of the opening that the Richmond Road spot was the second-largest LaRosa’s in the chain, with seating for 186 people.
The Richmond and Brannon Crossing locations of LaRosa’s also closed in 2023; the Brannon Crossing restaurant is now a First Watch.
One Holland also owns Merrick Inn, which recently when through a major renovation and upgrade, as well as historic Greyhound Tavern in Northern Kentucky.
The company also has franchises of Western-themed fast-food chain Roy Rogers as well as Dunkin’ and Barleycorn’s Brewhouse.
This story was originally published July 31, 2023 at 9:40 AM.
