Phil Barone

PROPRIETOR

ROSIE’S 606 N. McCord Rd. 419-866-5007 rosiesitaliangrille.com

How was this business started? Rosie’s began when my brothers and I decided to open up a little Italian deli on Sylvania Avenue in 1982 with an attached arcade. Our mother was our inspiration and namesake; we wanted to share her recipes with the community. From there we expanded to five restaurants and eventually condensed down to Rosie’s Italian Grille on McCord. Forty years later, we are a staple in the community.

What inspired you to enter into this field? My mother Rosaria ‘Rosie’ Barone.

What does your support system look like? I have a huge support system in my family and the Kish family who have become an integral part of our family business. Not to mention the staff who has worked for us over the years. When you work with people for almost 40 years, they become your family.

Who or what business do you admire in your industry? Why? What I love about the restaurant industry is the sense of community. When you cook for people you are sharing with them a part of you, your history and traditions. We are very fortunate to have many foodies in Northwest Ohio and we have met a lot of great people doing the work that we do.