SEEN Magazine joined Anthony Rugiero for an inside look at the people, recipes and traditions behind Roman Village and Antonio’s Cucina Italiana.
The video traces the restaurant group’s history to the original Roman Village, established in Dearborn in 1964. What started as a neighborhood pizzeria grew into a multigenerational family business serving several Metro Detroit communities.
Throughout that growth, the Rugiero family maintained its emphasis on food prepared in-house. Fresh pasta, sauces, soups and bread remain central to the menu, alongside recipes inspired by founders Antonio and Enrica “Rita” Rugiero. Many of those dishes tell a part of the family’s story, blending traditions from different regions of Italy with the experience of building a new life in America.
The feature also shows that the restaurants’ longevity is about more than food. Family leadership, dedicated employees and relationships with generations of customers have all played an important role.
This video offers guests an opportunity to meet the family behind the restaurants and better understand the work, history and personal connections present in every location.