Rosati's Authentic Chicago Pizza

Fountain Hills is a long way from Chicago.

But if you have a hankering for Chicago-style pizza, it is available smack in the middle of town.

Rosati’s Authentic Chicago Pizza is open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. That is a lot of time to get pizza.

New owner Dino Mosearlic said he finds that people think he isn’t open for lunch.

“People come in and say, ‘I had no idea you had lunch,’” he said. “We are here for lunch seven days a week.”

Mosearlic is from Bosnia. He came to the United States 10 years ago, fleeing from the war. He settled in Grand Rapids, Mich., and lived there for seven years. Three years ago, he moved to Arizona with his wife and two children.

“We like the desert,” he said. “We were so surprised at the heat when we came, but now we are used to it. The only strange thing I think about is that people think it is so rainy in the monsoon.”

Mosearlic spends his time at the restaurant. Before buying the Midwestern franchise, he completed a training period, learning the recipes offered by Rosati’s.

According to Mosearlic Rosati’s hasn’t changed its dedication to great, fresh food since it opened in Chicago in 1927.

“We make everything from scratch,” he said. “We use fresh ingredients. Everything is made fresh.”

And Rosati’s is not just pizza. The menu features sandwiches, pasta dishes and salads. If you are in the mood for something a little more “American,” there are burgers and hot dogs. Rosati’s also serves fried shrimp and tavern battered cod, as well as fried chicken and baby back ribs.

Mosearlic said the restaurant offers meals for every taste.

“We have big variety,” he said.

Asked what his favorite dish is, he answered without hesitation: “Our famous Italian beef sandwich.” He added that one reason he likes the sandwich so much is because it reminds him of food from Bosnia.

“It has the same taste as our beef,” he said. “I enjoy it.”

Mosearlic said he also likes the chicken fettuccini Alfredo, as well as barbecue chicken.

Nick Toppel, an assistant manager at Rosati’s, said he doesn’t have a favorite.

“That’s because everything is good,” he said.

Mosearlic said catering is a big part of his business, in addition to delivery and pick-up.

“We cater for celebrations, parties, what have you,” he said.

He said he likes to have three-day’s notice for catering, but he is able to accommodate customers on shorter notice.

Rosati’s features daily lunch specials, and coupons are offered frequently. Mosearlic said Rosati’s has a spot each Friday on azcentral.com that offers a coupon.

He said Fridays are his busiest day, but business also increases with sporting events.

“We were very busy during the (NBA) playoffs,” he said. “But people like our food all the time.”

Mosearlic said he enjoys the restaurant business.

“It is hard work, but it is satisfying,” he said. “I really like it when people like our food.”

He said business has grown by more than 15 percent since he took over in December.

“I appreciate our customers, and I hope we can keep making people happy,” he said. “Stop by and try our food.”

Rosati’s of Fountain Hills is located at 12605 N. Saguaro Blvd., in Plaza Fountainside. Call (480) 836-8400, or visit www.myrosatis.com.