Rocky Rococo Pizza and Pasta — Restaurant in Wauwatosa

When folks think fast food, Rocky Rococo rarely comes to mind, but with prices outpacing value when dining out, Rocky Rococo should be an easy and frequent alternative to chicken fillets, nuggets, and beef patties full of chemicals. The Wisconsin-based pizza chain, was founded in Madison in 1974, and while I could endlessly espouse the virtues and traits of being a Wisconsin hallmark company, like Rocky Rococo, Culvers, Cousins Subs, and Kwik Trip, I will simply say that the variety and quality of the pizza slices beats the choices and nutritional value of most other fast food joints. This store is on Bluemound just west of Mayfair Road, so its convenient for dine-in or drive through. But everything in moderation, right? Fat and calories are high in Rocky's pizza, but scientists and govt agencies have all but disposed of the 1970s food pyramid and multiple schools of thought debate nutrition and dietary factors but universally suggest that fast food is minimally healthy. Here's why I think Rocky's is worth considering.

The signature sauce contains ingredients like tomato puree, crushed tomatoes, salt, spices, and sugar (not high frustose corn syrup), which combine to a wondrrful flavor but can add to the overall calorie and sodium content.

Rocky's crust, while providing fiber, can also contribute to the overall carbohydrate and calorie intake. But it is baked in aged and well-seasoned pans with natural Wisconsin butter, not oil or shortening. As anyone in the pizza business will tell you, the best tasting pizza comes from the oldest baking pans. (See my review of Secane Pizza near Philly where the pans are nearly 100 years old.)

Finally, Rocky Rococo's uses hand-pattied sausage, which can be a good source of protein, 100% Wisconsin cheese, and fresh vegetables. What more be said but "Yummy!" My favorites are pepperoni and the supreme. I had one of each with a bottled water, and I was full for lunch and dinner. Service and atmosphere were average with a less than hospitable greeting at the counter, like I was interrupting their day and when I sense that attitude, it's hard to describe a positive experience overall for the price and privilege to eat at any restaurant. Nonetheless, I looked past the few dirty tables, sat in a window booth and enjoyed my meal. It was a dekight to my pallet and I'll be back again, even if the staff mind...

Whatever happened to "suggestive selling"? When I worked in fast food (Burger King) YEARS AGO, if someone ordered just a Whopper for example, I was supposed to "suggest" they add French Fries and a Soda for an additional $$ amount. Most customers would take advantage of it, and there were those that didn't, but that was fine. At least I "suggested" it. Same with coupons! I can't tell you how many times I've walked out with the coupon still in my pocket or still on my phone app! A simple"...do you have any coupons today?" Would be greatly appreciated!

Anyway, I asked the lady behind the counter if she had any coupons for a large pie, because I left mine at home and (I think) she said (mumbled), "No, we don't have them in the store anymore." I asked her to let me run check my car, just in case I had an extra one in the car, because I eat at "a" Rocky's more than I should. Long story short, I ended up paying $19.18 for a large, 1-topping pie.

After we sat at a table to wait 30-minutes for it to cook, I see an in-store promotion on the table for a large 1-topping, 2-bread sticks & 4-large sodas for $24.99. A few minutes later, I noticed the sign out front is advertising their "Promotional Pie" for $16.99, which was a large 3-topping pie! OMG! Then, when our pizza was ready, there are not one, not two..., but THREE coupons on top of our box for a variety of large pizza offers. Thanks "Front Female Cashier". Thanks for nothing! Not even a smile. #BigOnCustomerService #IfYouDoNotLikePeople #AvoidCustomerService

*Shout out to the young man who works at Arby's on Port Washington Road in Glendale for ALWAYS suggesting an Apple or Cherry Turnover with my roast beef sandwich! I can never decide which one I like better..., so I ALWAYS buy one of each! Arby's Sales Revenue just increased! (I asked for his Supervisor to let her know how pleased I was that he used "suggestive selling" and she shared that she's been trying to get him into a Leadership Training Program. I encouraged the young man...

3rd time ordering from this location every time has been a nightmare. Frist time in person it took 5 minutes for the employers to get off there phone and notice I was there. 2nd time I ordered carry out. When girlfriend got there to pick up the food they told us there was never an order placed and they had no food for us even tho we had an order number and money had been taken out of my account. She then got rude remarks and the employe and manager were insinuating that we were trying to steal food for them and made us wait for a whole new pizza and large bread sticks to be made. Tonight I ordered delivery directly off rockys website at 5:05pm. At 6:10 I was given a call saying that my food wasn't there and one doordash driver had already canceled and left becacue the food wasn't there or ready. The door dash driver was going to cancle my order but was nice enough to give me a chance to call the store and talk to them. Again same rude service. Told me food wasn't there and someone else must have picked it up already. As I was ready to come up and receive a cash refund she told me my food was up and the driver waited the extra 5 mins despite haveing other orders to Atend too. When I got my food the 2 cheese cups plus 2 extra I paid for were not in any box. Food showed up at 640 pm. The door dash driver told me that he has been doing this a long time, this store is staffed with younger kids that don't seam to care and he never has had a good experience picking up food from this location. Highly disappointed and ripped off I didn't even get everything I asked for after waiting 1hr 45 minutes for my food.i live only about 5 minutes from this location so drive time was...