Rocky Rococo has been a part of Wisconsin’s pizza-eating tradition since the Madison-based restaurant opened its first location way back in 1974. A couple years later, a mustachioed man named James Martin Pedersen put on a white suit, donned some glasses, and portrayed the pizza chain’s eponymous character. Tragically, Pedersen passed away in 2016 at the age of 67, but his image lives on through Rocky’s corporate branding and in their humorous (and occasionally perplexing) ads in print…and on buses. On April 20, Pedersen’s likeness will also live on through a unique and kind of weird Rocky Rococo promotion.
That day, in honor of the franchise’s 45th anniversary and in accordance with National Look-Alike Day, the pizzeria is asking customers to “Dress Like Rocky.” From the time Rocky’s opens until 7 p.m. that night, participating locations will offer free pizza to anyone who dresses up as the mascot or wears any type of Rocky Rococo apparel (including the free glasses they’ll give out with any Rocky’s Family Meal Deal beginning March 25). So start thrifting, grow out that mustache, and put in an order for a carnation boutonniere because getting free pizza never looked so stylish.
Apparently, those participating in the promotion also have a chance to win free pizza for a year by posting a picture of themselves on Rocky’s social media platforms with the hashtag #MyRockfit. Never change, Rocky’s. [h/t – Rick]