Dublin Core
Title
Jimmy's Grotto Box
Subject
Business
Description
Jimmy’s Grotto on Main street is a Waukesha institution, and in 1985 branched out into the frozen food market with one of its most popular products: the ponza rotta. A pizza folded over and deep fried, this Jimmy’s Grotto specialty is a favorite for generations of Waukeshonians.
Opened in 1946 by Jim and Rosie Rucci, Rosie is credited with the invention of the Ponza Rotta in the mid 1970’s. They expanded with a location on Grand Ave in 1980, and moved into its current location in 1991. Like many small restaurants and businesses, Jimmy’s Grotto has always been family and community focused.
The restaurant has gone through several generations of ownership: first to son-in-law Rocky Wering; then Rocky’s brother and sister in law Dick & Bobby Wering along with Dick and Lucy Obodowski; and finally Doug Ciampa and his wife Holly. Doug passed unexpectedly in 2019, but his memory continues on in the institution - Jimmy’s Grotto.
Donor: John Schoenknecht
Adopt an Artifact Sponsor: Mary Ellen Schickowski
Opened in 1946 by Jim and Rosie Rucci, Rosie is credited with the invention of the Ponza Rotta in the mid 1970’s. They expanded with a location on Grand Ave in 1980, and moved into its current location in 1991. Like many small restaurants and businesses, Jimmy’s Grotto has always been family and community focused.
The restaurant has gone through several generations of ownership: first to son-in-law Rocky Wering; then Rocky’s brother and sister in law Dick & Bobby Wering along with Dick and Lucy Obodowski; and finally Doug Ciampa and his wife Holly. Doug passed unexpectedly in 2019, but his memory continues on in the institution - Jimmy’s Grotto.
Donor: John Schoenknecht
Adopt an Artifact Sponsor: Mary Ellen Schickowski
Creator
Jimmy's Grotto
Publisher
Waukesha County Historical Society & Museum
Date
1980's
Rights
Waukesha County Historical Society & Museum