Rocky Rococo Names Trey Hester President/COO

OCONOMOWOC, Wis., (February 9, 2010) – Rocky Rococo, with restaurants in Glendale, New Berlin and Wauwatosa, announces the promotion of Thomas (Trey) Hester III to the position of President/ Chief Operating Officer. Under Trey’s direction, Rocky Rococo Pizza and Pasta has continued to thrive and expand during one of the most challenging years in the restaurant industry. Rocky’s is opening its 40th restaurant at Southridge Mall in Greendale in March, the third new Wisconsin location in four months.

“I am excited for the opportunity to lead Rocky’s into the new decade,” says Hester. “I believe in the core values of the company and will continue to stress the importance of quality food, a warm inviting atmosphere and hospitality to each and every guest. These absolutes have served us well for more than 35 years. “

Hester worked as a CPA at Arthur Andersen’s Chicago Commercial Division in the early 90’s until ultimately joining Rocky Rococo’s in 1994. He served as Chairman of the Wisconsin Restaurant Association in 2008 and continues to actively represent the restaurant industry and all small businesses through involvement in the WRA and other organizations. Hester graduated valedictorian at Edgewood H.S. in Madison, Wis, and at the University of Notre Dame Business School. He enjoys coaching his daughters’ basketball teams and traveling as an instrument-rated pilot.

“This is an important time for Rocky’s,” says Hester. “There are new competitors entering the market every year, but we are confident that in the long run, there will always be a demand for truly great pizza and a fun, comfortable place to enjoy it.”

The company has also entered the retail arena with jars of the Rocky Rococo-pizza sauce available for purchase at Rocky’s restaurants and select local grocery stores.

According to Hester, Rocky’s also partners with many local schools.

“Our unique slice box is the perfect way to deliver a fresh, nutritious lunch option to their students and staff. Rocky’s is committed to our local communities and will continue to give back through reading and academic achievement recognition programs and other fund-raisers we have established.” Hester added, “The future is bright for Rocky Rococo’s Pizza & Pasta. We will continue to add new chapters to Rocky’s storied history.”

Since Rocky’s opened its first restaurant in Madison in 1974, the pizza and pasta franchise has kept to its family-owned secret recipes which include fresh dough made daily, hand-pattied Italian sausage, and a signature tangy pizza sauce topped with only Wisconsin cheeses. While the quality of ingredients has remained a constant, Rocky’s continues to add new options including chicken as a topping in the coming year to compliment its lineup of specialty pizzas, pastas, fresh Italian breadsticks and garden fresh salads. The company is headquartered in Oconomowoc, Wis.

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