Our History
Two families. Four generations. One table.
The story of Rizzo's is inseparable from the story of Windber itself — a coal-mining town carved out of the Allegheny Mountains at the turn of the century. What began as a family of Italian immigrants selling groceries and fresh-cut meat has grown into one of Western Pennsylvania's most beloved dining destinations, all without ever leaving the same address on Graham Avenue.
Roots in Italy
Celestine and Mary A. Rillo immigrate to the United States from the Northern Central region of Italy, carrying with them generations of culinary tradition and a dream of building a new life in America.
2200 Graham Avenue
The Rillos establish their home at 2200 Graham Avenue in Windber, Pennsylvania — a coal-mining company town founded by the Berwind-White Coal Mining Company. The first floor becomes a general store and meat market; the family lives upstairs.
The Fairway Café
With Windber booming as one of Pennsylvania's busiest coal-mining hubs, the Rillos open the Fairway Café at the same Graham Avenue location. Mary A. Rillo — affectionately known as Grandma Rillo — runs the kitchen, preparing every dish from scratch using recipes brought from Italy.
A Turning Point
Anthony Rizzo, who married the Rillos' daughter Mildred, is laid off from his job as a coal miner as the industry declines. The family doubles down on the restaurant, pouring their energy into the business that will define them for generations.
Becoming Rizzo's
Mildred and Anthony Rizzo take the reins from her mother and rename the restaurant "Rizzo's." Under their stewardship, the intimate family café evolves into a regional destination for fine Italian dining, while never losing its homemade heart.
A Family Carries On
After Anthony Rizzo Sr. passes away, Mildred and her children — Dominick "Butch," Marie, and David — continue the family legacy. The restaurant expands its private dining rooms and grows its reputation across Western Pennsylvania.
Remembering David
The Rizzo family loses David, but honors his memory by continuing to uphold the values of hospitality and togetherness that define Rizzo's.
Mildred's Legacy
Mildred Rizzo passes away at the age of 96, leaving behind a restaurant — and a family — shaped by her decades of dedication. The community mourns the matriarch whose kitchen fed generations.
Four Generations Strong
The fourth generation, including general manager Dominick Chippie (Marie's son), carries the torch. Every plate that leaves the kitchen at 2200 Graham Avenue still carries nearly a century of tradition — the same address, the same family recipes, the same commitment to making guests feel at home.
Explore Our Menu“Every plate that leaves our kitchen carries nearly a century of tradition.”