Rocky’s Pizza management is back in the family after the longtime business drifted from the “Rocky’s way,” according to its founder.
Tammy Cook, Founder Rocky Bria’s daughter, has taken on a greater managerial role of the family business.
Bria told the Reflector that his daughter comes in with the “back-to-basics” mindset established at Rocky’s Pizza in the 1970s.
“She’s been here the whole time, and she knows what to do and the product that people are used to,” Bria said of Cook.
Bria opened Rocky’s Pizza in 1977 at the current site of Las Mesitas in Battle Ground Plaza, anchored by Wilco. He moved to the current pizza location in 1980, at the same time Mount St. Helens blew its top.
After many parties and events later, Bria is welcoming the community to enjoy his 80th birthday bash.
Customers of Rocky’s Pizza and entertainment goers are invited to celebrate his birthday at 6:30 p.m., Friday, June 21, at the restaurant, 1901 W. Main St., Battle Ground.
The celebration will have live musical performances, giveaways and pizza. Tickets will be available for purchase at the door. Admittance for adults is $15, $5 for children, and those under 5 years of age get in free.
During the event, folk-alternative rock band Drifter will perform at 7 p.m., followed by a performance from Charlie Green at 8:30 p.m., featuring his latest single, “Say You Love Me.”
In the last 47 years, Bria has prided himself on his business trying to “make it right” for the customers who have any complaints and building connections with the community. He also thanks the customers and former employees and managers who have supported his pizza business over the years.
“People in Battle Ground, they have been very good to me, you know, the apostolic people that supported me all these years and came and filled the place on Sunday afternoons,” Bria said, adding they have been one of his favorite parts of the business, which has been open for almost five decades. “It’s been a lot of fun. I met a lot of people, both as employees and as customers.”
Bria founded Rocky’s Pizza because of his love of cooking items with good flavors and has served his West Coast artisan-style pizza to people since the 1970s. Since then, Bria said the pizza hasn’t pleased 100% of customers, but he is satisfied with pleasing most.
“But if you can please the majority, I think you’re doing pretty good,” Bria said.
Bria said the current customer base is roughly 75% new, and the business opened the R Bar in place of an old trophy and party room at Rocky’s Pizza to cater to people by providing a calm bar scene as bars became more popular in the city recently. For new customers, Cook recommends the Marilue’s Special and taco pizza, among others. For a full menu and more information, visit rockyspizza-rbar.com.
