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, Southeast Indiana and Tennessee. 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. There are currently 12 pizzerias that offer a Gluten Free crust, as well. For more information about our Gluten Free options, please view our Gluten Free Pizza Fact Sheet.
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?
Traditional crust pizzas are baked at 325˚F. Hand tossed and pan pizzas are baked at 350˚F. Be sure to pre-heat your oven based on the type of crust you’ll be baking at home. Place the pizza on a cookie sheet or baking pan and allow to sit at room temperature for ten to fifteen minutes (allow about a half hour to thaw if frozen). Bake until the cheese and edge of the crust are golden brown. Usually about 5 to 8 minutes. Time may vary based on the oven and the total number of toppings.
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?
Provolone, Fresh Mozzarella, Pecorino Romano & Ricotta
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 Marzetti 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, for instance our Luigi Cookies contain almonds (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.
Why isn’t gluten free pizza available at my neighborhood LaRosa’s?
Some of our gluten intolerant Guests can get very sick with even a little gluten exposure. So, it’s important that we follow strict preparation and cleaning procedures. That’s why we’ve focused on 12 conveniently located pizzerias that we could “certify” in preparing and serving gluten free pizza. We hope that our Guests who choose gluten free won’t mind a little drive in the name of keeping people safe.
When are you going to add more gluten free items to the menu?
We've gotten many requests for all kinds of gluten free products: pizza, hoagys, pasta, etc. But we wanted to focus on one thing with which we could do the best job. Since pizza represents over 60% of what sells on our menu, we decided that we could make more of our gluten intolerant Guests happy by adding gluten free pizza to the menu.
What else on the menu is gluten free?
There are actually other gluten free selections currently on our menu. However, just as we follow strict preparation and cleaning procedures for our gluten free pizza to keep our Guests safe, we’d do the same with any other selections, too. We currently don’t have those procedures in place. After we learn more from our gluten free pizza experience, we’ll consider adding procedures for other gluten free selections already on our menu. Then we’ll let our Guests know all the selections that are gluten free.
How do you handle gluten free pizza so there’s no cross-contamination in your kitchens?
We follow very strict cleaning and preparation procedures to keep our gluten intolerant Guests safe. For every gluten free pizza we prepare, we change gloves, use a separate clean set of utensils, clean the pizza making surface, and use sauce, cheese and toppings from supplies that have not been used on other pizzas. The crust comes on its own separate disk, so that it doesn't touch surfaces other pizzas touch. While we take every precaution, it’s still possible flour transfer could pose a problem for Guests with severe gluten intolerance. So, we let our Guests know that so they can make an informed decision about eating with us.
Which pizzerias offer Gluten Free options?
Anderson, Boudinot, Centerville, Dublin (Columbus), Hebron, Jackson, Kenwood, Lexington - Richmond Rd., Lexington - Southland, Mason, Taylor Mill - Trifecta. For more information about our Gluten Free options, please view our Gluten Free Pizza Fact Sheet.
Is LaRosa’s committed to serving cage-free eggs?
We don’t currently feature eggs or entrees made with eggs on our menu. So, in that regard, we are 100% cage-free. Some of the condiments that we use on some of our menu selections do include eggs as a minor ingredient. We are committed with the makers of those condiments (food industry leaders like Kraft Heinz) to being 100% cage-free by 2025 on those ingredients.
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, pickle, 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.
I’d much rather dip my sticks in dressing instead of pizza sauce. Can I?
Yes. You can substitute any of our sauces or dressings at no extra charge.
Can I put pepperoni or another topping on my breadsticks?
Sure, 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, Tuesdays and Wednesdays we offer special family friendly pricing on adult and kids (ten and under) spaghetti dinners in our dine-in pizzerias. Kids 10 and under can even Make Their Own Pizza on Wednesdays.
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 prepared with just a hint of spinach mixed in with the beef for flavor. So, we can’t “hold the spinach”. Likewise, 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, Hot Fudge Chocolate Chunk Cookie Sundae, Smashed Cannoli and 3 flavors of Ice Cream, 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 coupons and deals you offer?
Right here on our website. Just visit our Coupons & Deals section (in the main banner), or follow us on Facebook or Twitter.
Do you deliver your kids’ meals? Can I pick them up?
Yes. Our kids’ meals 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.