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Rosalee’s pizza, what a wonderful story. Years ago! The owners of Rosalee’s met in culinary school, fell in love, and decided they wanted to open a pizzeria together. But they had to make sure they did their homework before opening one up. They took jobs working at breweries and restaurants in Longmont for at least three years telling people about their idea, making connections, perfecting their pizza, and solidifying the idea of the pizza joint they wanted to create. Some four years ago they opened Rosalee’s Pizzeria on Main St with their “old world East Coast style” pizza. From firsthand experience, I can attest to the deliciousness of the pizza, the quality of the beer, and the friendliness of the staff on-hand.
Oh, I also had fun long conversations with the staff at the bar who come back AFTER their shift to enjoy the ambiance! Who does that? Not once! have I ever gone back to my place of work after hours just to hang out. That told me there was a special connection among the staff, and just maybe with the happy clientele as well.
One funny story that was shared with me was about a Yelp review who rated them poorly because they didn’t serve the guy Ranch dressing with his pizza. First, a pizza isn’t a salad, moving on. Second, ranch wasn’t on the menu, so if someone isn’t offering you the service or the pleasure of an item because they don’t have it, how can you be pissed that they don’t serve it? Do I got to a salad bar and ask for pizza? Do I go to a software company and ask them to cut my lawn? Do I go to a bar and ask for tea? … well, I did do that once when I had a cold, and boy was I happily surprised that they gave me some! But! I wouldn’t have been surprised if they looked at me, pointed to the taps behind them and said “which of these taps spell out Green Tea to you?”
Rosalee’s, you are a delightful experience. I wish everyone in Longmont gets a chance to hang out with your staff, enjoy your ambience, and maybe even taste a little slice of pizza. Two thumbs up.
Byron Kominek is an environmental consultant based out of his family's farm in Longmont. He's a former US diplomat turned beekeeper and mushroom growing hobbyist.