An old restaurant friend is saying goodbye here in Tucson. Or, at least the location of the restaurant is. Whether you’re a longtime local of the Old Pueblo, or you recently made the move, chances are you’ve at least seen the Rocco’s Little Chicago Pizzeria sign at 2707 East Broadway. It might not have the same pizzaz as other neon signs of yesteryear scattered about the city, but Rocco’s sign has remained a steadfast reminder to anyone driving along Broadway. It’s about as classic as its classic Chicago deep-dish pizza. And while the pizza isn’t going away, the sign certainly is.
Rocco’s Little Chicago has had a cozy interior since it opened over 25 years ago. It has long been the go-to destination for anyone craving a thicker helping of Chicago pie. And there was something about the smaller interior. It gave it a hole-in-the-wall vibe, even with the large windows overlooking the city. It felt like a pizzeria you’d stumble onto when walking in the suburbs of Chicago or another major metropolis. And while the smaller nature of the restaurant might have been perfectly fine for patrons, Anthony “Rocco” DiGrazia wanted to spread his elbows a bit. After all, if you’ve worked in a cramped kitchen, you know how claustrophobic it can get.