State-Journal.com

A pizza place for the whole family

By Ashley Trosper
May 12, 2008

Rocco's Pizza emphasizes its family atmosphere.

Owner and manager Rocky Blankenship said since the restaurant's opening on Jan. 1, Rocco's has served Frankfort as a good spot for families.

"People can expect good food, good service and a great atmosphere," Blankenship said.

Along with the pizza, subs, wings and desserts, Blankenship said his establishment offers entertainment through several big-screen TVs and a game room. The game room was designed for parents to have a place to bring their children, he said.

"It's a great place for the kids to have a good time," Blankenship said.

Blankenship also said the game room is large enough for birthday parties and banquets. At the price of $8.99 per person, each child receives 10 tokens, two slices of pizza and a drink. Rocco's will also match 30 percent of extra tokens purchased by customers.

His wife, Stephanie Blankenship, attributes the family atmosphere to their connection with the Frankfort community.

"The best part about owning Rocco's is getting to interact with the community and providing good food for people," Stephanie Blankenship said.

Rocco's relationship with the community is based on a welcoming, cozy atmosphere, she said.
Rocco's Pizza employees say they enjoy working for the Blankenships as well as bringing their families to eat.

Ashley Tabor, an employee for four months, recently had her son Logan's fifth birthday party at the restaurant.

"It was awesome," Tabor said. "They had a blast. They stayed in the game room the whole time. I love the environment."

Another employee, server Lori Perry, is in charge of coordinating and decorating for the parties.

"I love working with Rocky," Perry said.

But Perry also said she wished they could develop a better lunch crowd.

Rocky Blankenship said Rocco's is more than just a fun atmosphere " he puts effort into his recipes too.

"We've been told by customers that we have the best wings and pizza in Frankfort," he said. "We use a 40-year-old recipe for our pizza crust and it's made fresh daily. We also use tomato sauce instead of tomato paste which makes a big difference."

The restaurant also offers drive-through service.

As for long-term goals, Stephanie Blankenship said she hopes Rocco's will have staying power.

"We want to be a family establishment in a small community," she said. "It's such a neat thing to be a part of the community on such a level."

She also said it would nice to stick around long enough for their children, Griffin, 7, and Gabrielle, 6, to be a part of the restaurant.

Rocky Blankenship agreed, but said, "They already think they own the place."