Via Community News Service, in partnership with Vermont State University Castleton for The Rutland Herald.
Ted’s Pizza has had a home in Rutland since Raymond “Ted” Vignoe opened his doors in 1958.
After a relocation, a few remodels to the business and Vignoe’s unexpected need for someone to take over ownership in 1975, long-time employee Tony Romeo has been building a legacy ever since.
When he purchased the business in 1975, Romeo’s mother, Leah, and sister, Julie, were by his side as he started the new journey, building a bond with the community that lasted 50 years.
In October 2024, the Lozier family took ownership and committed to continuing the traditions of the past owners.
Dec. 15 marked Romeo’s last day working at Ted’s, which was followed by a celebration of his retirement and 70 years of living, recently held on March 15 at the Elks Lodge in Rutland.
After reconnecting with a past employee of the business at her brother’s celebration, Julie Romeo said, “All the employees are my children, and I have watched them all grow up,” as tears formed in her eyes. “That was one of them right there, and whether they wanted me to be their mother or not, I was. It is just such a privilege working with family, blood or not.”
Romeo called the retirement “bittersweet.”
“Hard in the beginning but now have come to terms with it,” he said at the party, with a big smile. “I love that I can just enjoy my grandkids.”
Romeo’s work at Ted’s did not go unnoticed by his patrons, and when they would go in for a nostalgic bite to eat, they found his care for the community to be legendary.
“No matter how busy he is, he will take the time to make you feel like the only customer in the world,” long-time customer Darlene Ricketts said. “You can’t deny he is personable, caring and takes the time to make others feel good.
“I am careful with who I give credit to, but in this community, he truly is a legend, it even says it on the gift bag I got him,” she said with a chuckle.
Ricketts and her husband, Mitchel Ricketts, have been going to Ted’s for as long as they can remember, as has her brother, Grammy award-winning songwriter/musician, Dan Tyminski, who has been all over the world consuming his fair share of the Italian pie.
“There is no place that compares to Ted’s,” Darlene said in a message relayed on behalf of Tyminski.
She also explains how her brother’s visits are limited due to his career, but when he does come, it always seems to be on a Tuesday and “if you know Ted’s, you know they are closed Mondays and Tuesdays,” Ricketts said. “As soon as he comes home, it’s, ‘Dar, call Ted’s!’ he would say, and I would have to say, ‘Dan, it’s Tuesday!’”
Tyminski’s love for Ted’s and the traditions Romeo has made is so big that he sent a Cameo video to be shared at the retirement party.
Smiles appeared across the faces of every individual in the room as the musician’s face projected big on the wall, praising Ted’s and the love he has for all involved.
Romeo is a legend to all ages, including the children of his first cousin and former employee of about two and a half years, Ruth Politis, who didn’t grow up living in the area, but would spend many days with her parents, who lived in Ira. The kids and grandparents would always end up at Ted’s.
“Ian, Sarah and Katie always had their special things about what they had to have when coming into Ted’s,” Politis said. “They had to have orange soda, cheese curls, and my son and his cousin Kyle had to have their anchovies on the side because nobody else liked them.”
When asked what the best part about owning Ted’s business was, Romeo said, “The people and friendships the customers gave us and the support of the community. Everyone is like family.
“We always had great staff, too, and it is so great to be a part of the lives of many that went on to be big like doctors, and lawyers.”
Even though Romeo’s time at Ted’s is at an end, the Lozier family’s new takeover has the confidence of many, including him.
Romeo said several people wanted the business, but he knew he had to find those who were going to keep tradition alive while also taking it to the next level, someone who really understood what Ted’s was and he said he found that is the Loziers.
“I think the new owners are going to be great,” Mitchel Ricketts said.
“Yeah, they are doing great. We are actually getting Ted’s tonight for dinner!” Darlene Ricketts said.
Whether blood related or not, all members of the Ted’s community say they are family.
“I wouldn’t be the person I am today without everything that my father has taught me,” Romeo’s daughter Anna Montanez said.