Riko’s Pizza, a fast-growing franchise known for its signature thin-crust tavern-style pies, has announced plans to open its South Florida flagship restaurant and bar in Miami’s vibrant Wynwood neighborhood. The new, corporate-owned establishment is slated for a second-quarter 2026 opening and will occupy a 3,500-square-foot space currently under construction.
Riko’s Pizza’s Expansion into a New Market
This significant announcement marks a pivotal moment for Riko’s Pizza as it solidifies its presence in the bustling South Florida market. The company, founded in Stamford, Connecticut, in 2011 by Rico Imbrogno and Luigi Cardillo, has built a reputation for its unique, super-thin crust “bar pies” and a casual, neighborhood atmosphere. Riko’s has been on an aggressive expansion trajectory, aiming to establish itself across the United States. This Miami flagship is poised to become a key component of that growth strategy, serving as a central hub for the brand in the region.
Rico Imbrogno, founder and CEO of Riko’s Pizza, expressed his enthusiasm for the Miami market, stating, “Just hold on, Miami, Riko’s is on its way to save you from the dull pizza options you have been forced to accept for far too long.” He further emphasized the brand’s commitment to bringing its distinctive pizza experience to this major new market, which he described as the largest the company has entered to date.
Strategic Location in Wynwood
The chosen location in Wynwood is a strategic move, tapping into one of Miami’s most dynamic and rapidly evolving neighborhoods. Wynwood is renowned for its thriving arts scene, vibrant nightlife, and a diverse culinary landscape, attracting both locals and tourists. The area has transformed from an industrial district into a cultural hotspot, making it an ideal setting for Riko’s concept, which aims to blend quality food with a lively social atmosphere. The Society Wynwood development, where the new restaurant will be situated, is part of the broader revitalization and growth efforts in the Wynwood Arts District, which has seen significant investment and new commercial projects.
A Taste of Riko’s: What to Expect
The 3,500-square-foot flagship restaurant will offer a comprehensive Riko’s experience. Patrons can anticipate the brand’s signature thin-crust tavern-style pizzas, characterized by their crispy texture and high-quality ingredients. Beyond the pizza, the venue will feature a full-service bar, catering to those seeking craft beers, wines, and specialty cocktails. The design includes a dedicated sports bar scene, equipped with large screen TVs to broadcast local teams like the Hurricanes, Dolphins, Heat, Panthers, Inter Miami, and Marlins, alongside a family dining area. This multifaceted approach is intended to appeal to a broad demographic, offering a welcoming space for family meals, gatherings with friends, or enjoying live sports.
Growth and Leadership
Riko’s Pizza’s expansion is supported by a growing corporate structure. In January 2025, the company appointed Carl Bachmann, a veteran of the restaurant and franchise industries with extensive experience at brands like BurgerFi International and Smashburger, as its new President and Chief Operating Officer. Bachmann’s role will focus on accelerating scaling initiatives and enhancing operational standards, crucial for national brand building. This strategic hiring underscores Riko’s commitment to robust growth and operational excellence as it ventures into new and competitive markets like Miami. Luigi Cardillo continues to serve as Chief Financial & Technology Officer, while Robert Furnari is Chief Administrative Officer, and Dawn Imbrogno is Chief Human Resources Officer.
Riko’s first entered the South Florida market in 2022 with a franchised location in Tequesta, which has reportedly seen strong year-over-year growth. The announcement of the Miami flagship follows news from 2023 and early 2024 about planned openings in Pompano Beach and Miami Beach, indicating a steady build-up of its Florida presence. The Q2 2026 opening for the Wynwood flagship will make it Riko’s sixth corporate location, third in Florida, and thirteenth nationally. The tavern-style pizza segment itself is trending, appealing to consumers seeking crispy, thin crust options that offer a distinct experience from traditional styles.
Implications for the Miami Dining Scene
The arrival of Riko’s Pizza in Wynwood is expected to add another dimension to Miami’s already dynamic and competitive dining scene. As a corporate-owned flagship, the Wynwood location will serve as a benchmark for the brand’s operations in the region, potentially paving the way for further franchised and corporate expansions throughout Florida and beyond. The focus on a sports bar atmosphere, combined with family-friendly dining and its signature pizza, positions Riko’s to capture a significant share of the local market. This expansion is part of a broader trend of casual dining concepts and specialized pizza establishments exploring and succeeding in vibrant urban centers across the United States, making this news a notable development in the ongoing culinary news from Miami.
