Today we’d like to introduce you to Tony Falardo.
Hi Tony, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born in the Bronx and raised in Yonkers, New York. In 2019, I opened Rascos Pizza in Edgewater, New Jersey. The name honors my father, Richie “Rasco,” so the business has always meant more to me than simply owning a pizzeria. It represents family, sacrifice, and building something that lasts.
I didn’t start with a perfect roadmap. I learned the business by being there every day—working alongside my employees, listening to customers, improving the food, and gaining operational experience firsthand. Like many small businesses, we’ve faced rising costs, staffing challenges, delivery platforms, and the constant pressure to stay consistent while adapting.
Today, Rascos is part of the Edgewater community. We’re known for quality food, generous portions, and treating customers like neighbors. I’m proud of how far we’ve come, and I’m still focused on strengthening the business, building the right team, and serving the community for years to come.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. When we opened in 2019, Rascos had a full dining room, indoor seating, and a menu designed around that experience. Then COVID hit, and the entire restaurant industry changed almost overnight.
As the pandemic took shape, we had to completely reinvent the business. We removed the indoor seating, changed the menu, and transformed Rascos into a takeout and delivery-focused pizzeria. Today, everything we do is built around pickup and delivery.
That transition came with plenty of challenges, but we adapted and found a way to keep moving forward. Even without a traditional dining room, we’ve built a strong community around Rascos. Our customers continue to support us, recommend us, and make us part of their routines. That loyalty has allowed us to grow into more than just a place to grab food—it has made Rascos part of the Edgewater community.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
At Rascos, we specialize in not reinventing the wheel. We make the kind of pizza and Italian-American food people know and love, and we focus on making it the right way.
Something Chris Bianco said has always stuck with me: “shit in , shit out “
It really is that simple. Use good ingredients, get the portions right, put your heart into the food, and you’ll end up with a good product.
I’d like to think that’s what Rascos is known for—quality food, generous portions, and consistency without unnecessary gimmicks. What I’m most proud of is the community we’ve built around that approach. Our customers know what to expect from us, and they continue to come back because they trust what we do. That simplicity, care, and consistency are what set us apart.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
The best way to support us is to order directly through our website and follow @rascospizzanj on Instagram. That’s where we share our food, specials, new menu items, and everything happening at the shop.
We appreciate every order, follow, share, tag, and review. Social media and word of mouth have helped us build a real community around Rascos, and they allow a small neighborhood business like ours to continue reaching new customers.
We’re also available for catering and always open to collaborating with local businesses, schools, organizations, and community events.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Rascospizza.com
- Instagram: @rascospizzanj
