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Frequently Asked Questions

Is there really a Buddy LaRosa?

You bet! The man who has been bringing smiles to Guests faces for over six decades is a Cincinnati native, growing up in a working-class neighborhood on the West Side where he worked at a couple of different jobs. But his real passion was to build his own business.

Growing up, Buddy always loved the pizza his Aunt Dena made. He thought other people might like her family recipe pizza, too. So he made a couple dozen for his church's summer festival. As it turned out, Buddy was right! Lots of people loved Dena's pizza.

So in 1954, with $400 and a couple of partners, Buddy opened a small family pizzeria and boy did people eat it up. Now, over 60 years later, Buddy's restaurants serve hundreds of neighborhoods throughout Cincinnati, Dayton, Central Ohio, Northern Kentucky and Southeast Indiana. As for Buddy, he's still around and involved in the family business. Only now he's able to spend more time with family and follow his life-long interest – amateur and professional boxing.

What’s the difference between the different LaRosa’s crusts?

Our traditional crust is thin, our crispy pan is thick and our hand tossed crust is in between – not too thick, not too thin.

Why does LaRosa’s put some toppings under the cheese and some toppings on top?
It was Buddy’s Aunt Dena’s recipe that first specified that the ingredients go under the cheese, and it’s become a LaRosa’s tradition. Some toppings, like spinach or tomato, need to go on top because they have a lot of water in them, and it needs to bake out. Other meat items, like bacon, taste better when they bake on top and get nice and crispy. If you'd like some toppings on top of the cheese (like pepperoni), just ask us and we’ll be happy to do it!
Can I get a LaRosa’s pizza that’s partially baked so that I can Bake it at Home?
Yes. We can make a pizza for you that has not been fully baked in our ovens. This is perfect for you if you’re not going to eat the pizza right away. You can refrigerate it at home, then take it out when you're ready to bake it. You can also freeze the pizza, just allow about a half hour thawing time before you bake it.
How do I bake a LaRosa’s “Bake at Home” pizza?
Keep "Bake at Home" pizza REFRIGERATED until ready to bake.

  1. Pre-heat oven to 350°F.
  2. Place pizza on baking sheet. Make sure box liner is not under the pizza.
  3. Bake at 350°F for approximately 12-15 minutes or until golden brown on top.
  4. For a crispier crust, place pizza directly on center oven rack.

Note: Time in oven can vary based on oven type and number of toppings on the pizza.
How do I reheat a LaRosa’s Pizza?
To reheat half a pizza or more at one time, the oven is the best option:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Remove only the pizza from box and place on a cookie sheet or a pizza pan. Do not put the pizza liner in the oven.
  3. Place the pizza in the center of the oven and set time for 10-12 minutes.
  4. Not all ovens bake the same, so time may vary. Check at 10 minutes and look for a crisp, dry crust, melty cheese and toppings heated through.
  5. Time to reheat may also vary depending on crust thickness and amount of toppings. Adjust bake time accordingly.
  6. Add more time as thickness of crust and number of toppings warrant.
How many different toppings can I put on a LaRosa’s pizza?
We can put no more than 6 different toppings on a pizza, because a pizza with more than 6 different toppings simply wouldn’t bake well in our ovens.
How many different toppings can I put on half of a LaRosa’s pizza?
We can put no more than 6 different toppings on any one half of a pizza. There can also be no more than a difference of 4 toppings per half (For example: a large pizza with 1/2 plain, 1/2 pepperoni, sausage, mushroom and onion). Anything more and the pizza simply wouldn’t bake well in our ovens.
What are the four cheeses on the Roma and Florentine Focaccia?
Mozzarella, Ricotta, Romano, Aged Provolone
Can I get a “Bake at Home” LaRosa’s calzone?
Sorry, no, we can’t partially bake a calzone. Since the crust is folded over, it would not rise enough as we pre-baked it to be the delicious product you’d expect to come out of your oven at home.
How many toppings can I put in a LaRosa’s calzone?
The maximum number of toppings we can put in a calzone is 3. Any more toppings and the calzone simply wouldn't bake well in our ovens.
Does LaRosa’s use MSG in any of its recipes?
Mono Sodium Glutamate (MSG) is a high-sodium preservative that is mostly used in pre-packaged and frozen products. MSG is an ingredient in the ranch dressings that we serve. Visit our Nutrition and Ingredient listing for additional ingredient information.
Do any of LaRosa's products or recipes include peanuts or other tree nuts?
None of our recipes have peanuts in them. However, some of our recipes contain tree nuts (please refer to our Ingredient/Allergen Listing for specific details). For those with severe nut allergies: we can’t guarantee that all of the ingredients that we use to prepare our menu items have been handled in nut-free manufacturing environments.
Does LaRosa's Have Gluten-Free Pizza?
Our Cauliflower Crust is gluten-free, however it is prepared in our kitchens alongside other ingredients that do contain gluten. So, we do not recommend it for Guests with significant gluten sensitivity. Our Guests with gluten sensitivities should use their best judgment before ordering it.
I love LaRosa’s hoagys. Is there a way I can get more of a good thing?
Try our double hoagys. A double hoagy has an extra steak patty, and on Royals and Baked Buddies, there is double meat and double cheese. You can order Double hoagys for a small additional charge.
What’s the difference between LaRosa’s Baked Buddy and a Royal?
These hoagys are very similar, but the Baked Buddy includes pepperoni as an extra meat ingredient. It is served with pickles, onions and pizza sauce.
Can I substitute meats on a hoagy?
Yes, if that meat already comes on the hoagy. So, you might consider substituting more salami instead of the capocolla on your Royal. You can add meat that doesn't already come on it to a hoagy at an extra charge.
Can I have any of my favorite LaRosa’s sauces or dressings on my hoagy?
Absolutely. We have many sauces to choose from. Some sauces would have to be served on the side. There are a few sauces that there may be a small charge for.
What other things can I put on my LaRosa’s hoagy?
You can put lettuce, onion, tomato, pickles, banana peppers, jalapeño peppers, green peppers or black and green olives on your hoagy, free. You can even add pepperoni, bacon or any other meat, for a small extra charge.
I love LaRosa’s fries. Can I put stuff on top of them?
Cheese and bacon, yummmm. Just let us know, and we can do it for a small extra charge.
Can I get extra helpings of my favorite stuff in a LaRosa’s salad?
Yes, you may. Additional items or any additional salad dressings can be ordered for a small additional fee.
Does the Creamy Garlic dressing come on the side with the JoJo’s BLT salads for pickup and delivery orders?
Yes, the dressings for all of our salads come on the side for pickup and delivery orders. We only pre-mix the dressing into JoJo’s BLT salad when you dine-in.
Do you have a veggie lasagna?
No, our Family Recipe lasagna is made with meat in the sauce.
Can I have LaRosa’s lasagna without the meat?
Our lasagna is prepared and baked with the beef already inside, so we can’t remove it. We can put our family recipe spaghetti sauce without meat on top of the lasagna on request.
What are the cheeses in LaRosa’s lasagna?
The two cheeses inside our lasagna are Provolone and Ricotta.
What are Family Nights?
Mondays and Tuesdays are Spaghetti-A-Plenty: Adults enjoy spaghetti, breadsticks and salad. Still hungry after the first serving? We’d be happy to bring out a little more! Wednesdays are Kids Pizza Night: Kids choose their own 1-topping kids pizza. Meal includes kids beverage choice and a chocolate chunk cookie or Dick & Jane™ whole grain sweet crackers.
Can I get extra sauce on my LaRosa's spaghetti?
We can put extra spaghetti sauce on your spaghetti. But, if you order meat sauce, Alfredo sauce or order the sauce on the side, there’s a small additional charge.
What is mixed in with the beef in LaRosa’s meat ravioli?
Our meat ravioli is no longer prepared with spinach. When our cheese ravioli is prepared, the provolone and ricotta are mixed together, so we can’t hold one or the other.
Can I put things like sausage or chicken in my LaRosa's spaghetti sauce?
Certainly! We can put either of those or mushrooms in your sauce for a small additional charge per serving.
Can LaRosa's cater parties at home or at the office?
Yes, you can use our online Catering Builder or call us at 513.347.1111 and press “3” or 888.LAROSAS (it’s a free call!) to place a catering order.
What is available for catering?
Pizza, of course. But we also offer trays of hoagys, ravioli, spaghetti, lasagna, salads, starters, wings, desserts, garlic bread sticks…everything you’d want for a hearty Italian meal. We even cater group boxed lunches which include a half hoagy, small salad, chips and a chocolate chunk cookie. Check the front counter for our Delivery Carry-Out Catering Menu the next time you join us in one of our dining rooms, or you pick up an order.
How many people can a tray of food serve?
Each tray serves 10 people and includes 10 sets of napkins, utensils, and plates. Trays of salad and garlic bread can also be ordered to accompany your pasta.
Do you offer any desserts?
We offer a wide variety of desserts to satisfy your sweet tooth. Chocolate Chunk Cookies, Cinnamon Dippers, and Cheesecake Scoops, just to name a few. Tempted yet?
Can I use my credit card to pay for my LaRosa’s order?
Yes. All our pizzerias accept Visa and MasterCard, and some pizzerias accept other cards as well. Call us at 513.347.1111 or 888.LAROSAS (it’s a free call!) and we can confirm for you which cards your favorite pizzeria accepts.
Can I use a check to pay for my LaRosa’s order?
Some of our pizzerias will still accept checks, please call us at 513.347.1111 or 888.LAROSAS (it’s a free call!) and we can confirm for you if your favorite pizzeria accepts checks.
Can I split the cost of an order, some on a credit card and the rest in cash?
Sure, we can handle your order that way at most pizzerias. Please check when placing your order. Be ready to give us the credit card number and the amount you want charged to the card.
Why do you need the phone number of the place I want my order delivered to?
It’s important that we have the phone number of the location to which you want your order delivered because all the address information we have is tied to that number. So, if we don’t have the right number, we can’t find you to deliver to you. Also, we make call backs from time to time to ensure that we serve you the best we can. If we don’t have the right number, we can’t call you.
Why do you need specific contact information at a business to deliver?
At many businesses, there is a front desk with a welcome person, or key-in access only to the building. When we arrive with your order, and the front desk person doesn’t know who ordered, or if we can’t even enter the building, your delivery will be late. You won’t be happy, and we won’t be happy. That’s why we need a name and a phone number to which we can get through at any time.
Can you break a $50 on a delivery?
Safety is our #1 core value at LaRosa’s. It’s important that our drivers carry as little money as possible when they’re delivering. Please pay in the smallest bills possible. It’s the safest way to go for everybody.
Where and How do I order?
Call us at 513.347.1111 or 888. LAROSAS to speak directly to a Guest Service Representative, Order online right here on our website or download our mobile ordering app.
Can I set up a delivery order at 11 a.m. for a lunch that I have planned at noon?
You bet. It’s called a "timed order". Just call us at 513.347.1111 or 888.LAROSAS (it’s a free call!) and ask the Customer Service Representative that answers about it. He or she will set it up for you. You can also place "timed orders" online through our website.
Can I order the lunch discount I see on LaRosa’s dining room menu for pick up or delivery?
Unfortunately, no. Our special lunch menu is for the Guests who visit us in our dining rooms only. We don't extend the lunch discount to carry out or delivery. However, if you're looking for smaller portions, check out our Just Right Combos which are available to-go for carry out or delivery. These can be found on our Delivery Carry-Out Catering Menu.
How can I find out about what deals you offer?
Right here on our website. Just visit our Deals section (in the main banner), or follow us on Facebook or Twitter.
Do you deliver your Meals For Kids? Can I pick them up?
Yes. Our Meals For Kids are available for delivery, pick-up or dine-in.
Can you tell me about Buddy Cards?
Buddy Cards offer great deals on pizzas while helping raise funds for organizations in the community. Our website: https://order.larosas.com/buddycard will walk you through “How to Activate your Buddy Card”, “Check Your Buddy Card Balance” as well as “How to Sign Up to Sell Buddy Cards”.
Can I recycle my LaRosa's pizza box?
Yes, partially. You can tear off the top, clean portion of your box and recycle it. The bottom half cannot be recycled. We teamed up with Rumpke to help show what can be recycled. You can view the video here.