The Arab American News explored the history of Roman Village and the restaurant’s longstanding connection to Dearborn’s Southend community.
The feature follows the Rugiero family story from Italy to Michigan. Antonio Rugiero Sr. came from Calabria, while Enrica “Rita” Rugiero brought traditions from the region surrounding Gubbio. After meeting in the United States, they built a family and a restaurant business that combined their different regional influences with the welcoming spirit of Italian-American hospitality.
Roman Village began as a small pizzeria in 1964 and grew alongside the community it served. Over the decades, the restaurant welcomed generations of neighborhood families while continuing to prepare homemade pasta, sauces, bread and traditional dishes in-house.
The article also captures the importance of the restaurant’s location. Roman Village is not simply a business operating in Dearborn; it is part of the Southend’s history and identity. Its longevity reflects the relationships built with customers, employees and neighboring organizations across more than half a century.
The story provides another perspective on how food, family and community helped turn a small pizzeria into one of Metro Detroit’s most enduring Italian restaurant traditions.