Reviewed by: Pat Byington
FIRST LOOK: Rocky’s Pizza to open in Five Points South, Sept. 2
After an eight-year hiatus, beloved local pizza joint Rocky’s Pizza and Italian Foods is reopening in Birmingham!
Bham Now got a sneak peek inside the new restaurant earlier this year—read on to learn more + what to expect during Rocky’s Pizza soft reopening week, Sept. 2-6.
Rocky’s Pizza and Italian Foods, a Birmingham original
Founded in 1986, Rocky’s Pizza and Italian Foods was a legendary pizzeria and Italian food joint opened by Dennis Dunlap. He named the restaurant after Rocky Marciano, a professional boxer who held the world heavyweight championship from 1952 to 1956.
Originally located on Green Springs Highway, the restaurant moved to Lakeview in the early 1990s and Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd in 2001.
Sadly, the original Rocky’s Pizza closed in 2016 and Dennis Dunlap passed away the next year.
Rocky’s Pizza returns to Birmingham after eight years
Although Dennis Dunlap is gone, his son—Joshua Dunlap—is determined to bring the family restaurant back.
To do so, he teamed up with René Mercado Angeles, who spent more than 16 years at Gianmarco’s Restaurant in Homewood.
Joshua has also enlisted the help of his sister, Cynthia, who grew up working in the family business.
“I am excited to join in the partnership and bring my family’s original love, passion and our unique spin on Italian cuisine back to southside”
Cynthia Dunlap, Rocky’s Pizza & Italian Foods
“I am ecstatic to have my sister on board with this partnership.
I have always been the happiest when we are united as a family operation.
I know this is how my father envisioned the business to continue.”
Joshua Dunlap, Co-Owner, Rocky’s Pizza & Italian Foods
Last year, the team found the perfect spot for the new Rocky’s Pizza: the former Little Italy’s space at 1924 11th Avenue South in Five Points South.
“We had already been in private talks to reopen. When word got to us that the tenant at this space was going to be leaving, we knew that it was the perfect fit for us.
Five Points South is still the heart of Southside. And there was no question that Southside is where we were going to be.”
René Mercado Angeles, Co-Owner, Rocky’s Pizza and Italian Foods
What’s new at Rocky’s Pizza?
Earlier this year, Bham Now was invited to a special preview at Rocky’s Pizza. I tried so many delicious pizzas that night—in fact, I think I’m still full!
Rocky’s Pizza has an extensive list of pizzas named after iconic boxers, such as:
- Rocky Marciano — Three cheese blend pizza with your choice of any crust, source and any toppings.
- Muhammad Ali — (Alfredo sauce) chicken breast strips, button mushrooms, yellow onions, ripe black olives and extra parmesan cheese.
- George Forman — (Mild red sauce) spiced beef, bacon crumbles, yellow onions, fresh diced tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, shredded lettuce optional.
- Mike Tyson — (Rocky’s sauce) Meatball and cheese blend.
- Prince Naseed Hamed — (Rocky’s sauce) Ground lamb, red onions, yellow onions, cilantro, feta cheese, hot honey drizzle.
“People have always loved our pizza, wings and muffalettas.
We have several delicous Italian sausage and meatball appetizers that people will absolutely love, a great selection of hot and cold sub sandwiches—and we can’t forget a full pasta menu made by me!”
René Mercado Angeles, Co-Owner, Rocky’s Pizza and Italian Foods
Inside the new Rocky’s, you’ll find the walls covered in photos of famous boxers.
“Longtime fans will appreciate the decor—we took all of the old photos that decorated the walls of our past location and put them up here. We added a bunch of other photos as well, so I think longtime fans will love the old school vibe.”
René Mercado Angeles, Co-Owner, Rocky’s Pizza and Italian Foods
Although longtime Rocky’s fans will feel right at home in the new location, there is one big change.
“Without question, the biggest change will be Rocky’s Pizza serving alcohol for the first time. We will have a full bar with a great selection of wine, liquor and beer.
On top of that, we’ll have eight TVs throughout the restaurant—perfect for football season and big boxing matches throughout the year.”
René Mercado Angeles, Co-Owner, Rocky’s Pizza and Italian Foods
Rocky’s Pizza & Italian Foods opens Labor Day, Sept. 2
Rocky’s Pizza & Italian Foods will officially open on Labor Day, Sept. 2, and intend for their first week to be a “soft opening.”
“Being able to reopen Rocky’s means the world to all of us. There have been some ups and downs, but we never gave up.
In the end, what means the most is keeping the legacy of Dennis Dunlap alive. He will always be the face of Rocky’s.”
René Mercado Angeles, Co-Owner, Rocky’s Pizza and Italian Foods
- Rocky’s Pizza & Italian Foods: 205.201.6112 | Facebook
- Address: 1924 11th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35205
- Hours: Sunday, 11AM to 10PM; Mon-Wed, 11AM to midnight; Thurs-Sat, 11AM to 2AM
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