"I like people. I
generally always have a smile on my face. I love the customers
coming in. I'll talk to just about anybody, I like the
atmosphere and I'm good with food," Rick Darone said.
"So it's an avenue for me to make money and enjoy doing
it." Rick Darone is also well known in our community for
all of his generous donations and involvement with supporting
our local sports clubs and youth activities.
Rick Darone grew up in the restaurant business and gained his
experience from several different establishments. Among the
positions he's held — some of which were a bartender, an
assistant manager and a general manager — all have contributed
to his education in the industry.
"I took what I could learn from here, and I took what I
could learn from there and tried to compile it in the way I run
(Tony's)," said Rick Darone.
Tony Darone decided he wanted to retire in 1995 (his partner
Steve Fetzer wanted to expand other businesses) and offered the
business to Rick. Rick then returned to Tony's Pizzeria after
working in other establishments for the previous 11 years. It's
a situation he said worked out well for everyone involved.
Nowadays, the family tradition
continues as Rick's son (one of three), Patrick Darone, works at
the restaurant.
Other than a few menu changes over the years (they used to serve
burgers until a neighboring business started offering a bigger
selection of burgers) and some changes in the decor, Tony's
Pizzeria has remained the same. And
that works for the new and returning patrons.
"We sell a ton of calzones," Rick Darone said.
"We go through anywhere between 30 and 50 in a day."
The dough for the calzones and pizzas is made fresh daily, as
are the sauces and salad dressings.
The numbers of this family establishment say it all: a recent
party went through seven racks of pork ribs, 144 hot wings and
six supreme pizzas.
Tony's is always busy and fun with
families and couples enjoying themselves.
Rick Darone says, "I enjoy people having a good time"
and it's obvious he loves his job. |
