This Sacramento pizzeria is on the verge of closing after 42 years in business
Rico’s Italian Pizza in has been in business for 42 years in Sacramento, but the lingering economic effects of COVID-19 might force its closure.
The Italian restaurant at 2650 Northgate Blvd. in South Natomas may have to shut its doors in the coming weeks due to a lack of customers and increased food prices, said Sheila Glidewell, sister of Rico’s owner James “Beau” Stewart.
Glidewell, who is not a full-time employee but is helping out at the shop, doesn’t have an exact date on when the pizzeria will close, but they are “figuring two-and-a-half to three weeks,” she said in a phone interview with The Bee while she was at the restaurant this week.
“If we can stretch it a little longer we will, but right in that time frame.”
Concerned customers flooded social media last week, lamenting its potential closure. Stewart was not available for comment, but an employee who answered the restaurant phone last week told The Bee he planned to close.
How you can help
A GoFundMe account was set up on Oct. 1 to help save the restaurant by Stewart’s niece, Glidewell said.
“Utilities have tripled, the food prices quadrupled for meat and cheese, you know, and the customers are great these last few weeks, but (haven’t come out much since) COVID,” Glidewell said.
“It just kind of slowed down to where we’re barely been able to keep it floating.”
The account has raised just over $1,400 as of Friday afternoon, with a goal of $200,000.
What you can eat at Rico’s Pizza
Rico’s offers thick-, medium- and thin-crust pizzas. For those looking for a pizza fix during the earlier hours of the day, you can opt for a breakfast-style pie that includes toppings such as sausage, hash browns, eggs and bacon.
Prices range from $17.99 to $24.99 depending on the size and style of pie.
The menu also includes jalapeño poppers, french fries or mozzarella sticks as potential side items.
Sandwiches and dinner plates are also available for those not in the mood for a pizza. Italian-style plates including lasagna or rib dinners are also available for less than $15.
The pizzeria is open 11 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. from Wednesday to Sunday. Customers can dine in or get take out or delivery.
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