Hour Detroit visited Roman Village to explore the food, people and traditions that have helped the Dearborn restaurant remain a local institution for more than 60 years.
The feature traces Roman Village’s history to 1964, when Italian immigrant Antonio Rugiero Sr. purchased what was then Joe’s Pizzeria. With the support of his wife, Enrica “Rita” Rugiero, he transformed the small neighborhood restaurant into the beginning of a multigenerational family business.
The article takes readers inside Roman Village’s kitchen and daily pasta-making process. Linguine, fettuccine, rigatoni, mostaccioli, lasagna, ravioli and Baci are among the varieties prepared using traditional techniques and a pasta machine imported from Italy. It also highlights signature dishes influenced by Antonio’s Calabrian roots, Rita’s upbringing in Gubbio and the family’s Italian-American experience.
Today, the business includes Roman Village, three Antonio’s Cucina Italiana locations and Antonio’s Piccolo Ristorante. Although the company has grown, the family continues to view it as one restaurant with five extensions. More than a restaurant review, the Hour Detroit story is a tribute to the employees, customers and generations of Rugiero family members who have kept Roman Village’s traditions alive.