Riko’s Pizza has officially arrived in Carolina Beach, marking its first location in North Carolina and another milestone in the brand’s East Coast expansion. The grand opening was celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by the Pleasure Island Chamber of Commerce, drawing local leaders, residents, and visitors to experience the Connecticut-born brand’s signature tavern-style “bar pies.” The event reflected a shared enthusiasm for Riko’s blend of community, comfort food, and modern hospitality.
Located at 1000 North Lake Park Boulevard within the Proximity Complex, the Carolina Beach restaurant embraces a rustic-urban design that complements the town’s coastal charm. The space includes seating for 150 guests, featuring an indoor-outdoor bar with 30 stools, live music, and a welcoming social atmosphere. Guests can enjoy Riko’s renowned crispy-thin pizzas, oven-roasted wings, sliders, and a curated list of local craft beers that capture the spirit of the island.
Franchise owner John Greco, a hospitality veteran with 35 years of experience, expressed pride in bringing Riko’s to Carolina Beach. “We wanted to create something that feels like home—a place where people can unwind, share a meal, and connect,” Greco said during the ceremony. Mayor Lynn Barbee praised the restaurant’s investment in the community, noting that Riko’s arrival adds both jobs and energy to the town’s growing culinary landscape.
Riko’s CEO Carl Bachmann and Founder Rico Imbrogno attended the event, reflecting on the franchise’s continued growth and mission to foster meaningful dining experiences. “Riko’s is about more than pizza,” Bachmann said. “It’s about creating spaces where people can come together and enjoy genuine hospitality,” Imbrogno added. The Carolina Beach opening was part of a broader vision to expand the brand’s neighborhood-oriented model across the region.
Pleasure Island Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Jackie Wikander commended the restaurant for embracing the area’s community-first values. “We are thrilled to welcome Riko’s Pizza to Pleasure Island,” Wikander said. “Their focus on local connection and quality dining fits perfectly with what makes our island special.”
As the first Riko’s in North Carolina, the Carolina Beach location has already garnered strong local support. With a combination of classic flavors, relaxed coastal energy, and a community-driven approach, Riko’s Pizza is poised to become a cornerstone of the town’s dining and social scene.