Two friends from Portland, Oregon were homebuilders and business partners prior to moving to Sedona, AZ in 2000 seeking a dryer climate. Rick Freedman and Doug Stanton are still great friends, business partners and the founding fathers of Pizza Picazzo’s.
Rick and Doug continued to build custom homes in Sedona and one day, they were at lunch and were craving some really good pizza. The conversation that day eventually led to the conceptualized of their own gourmet Italian restaurant in Sedona. It was originally called Pizza Picazzo’s.
The men’s building expertise came in handy for a complete remodel at the 1855 W Hwy 89A location in West Sedona in 2002. The award-winning remodel, was recognized by the City of Sedona, and honored with Best Pizza in Sedona and Best New Restaurant in Sedona back shortly after opening.
Rick grew up in his family’s specialty food business and brought that expertise to their first restaurant venture. He will also tell you fun stories about growing up; how he challenged his mother on food profiles at his then favorite restaurants. His mother, Eva, was not surprised after a while how accurate his taste buds were when they would eventually get in the car and speak with the owners. He also knew as early as 8 years old, how to improve the flavor in items his mother cooked. Thankfully his mother soon suggested he just take over her cooking responsibilities, and he did!
Over the years, the locally owned, Italian inspired restaurants were rebranded to Picazzo’s Gourmet Pizza, Salad and Pasta’s. Finally they rebranded again to encompass their dedication to serving an extensive, refined gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian menu. Today they also offer a full bar serving freshly juiced cocktails and local craft beers with a daily, healthy hour.
Rick is the owner of the other successful, thriving Picazzo’s locations in Scottsdale, Flagstaff, Phoenix/Paradise Valley and Tempe/Chandler.
Doug and Rick remain close family friends. You can catch them throughout the year, playing golf in Scottsdale, Portland and even Hawaii. They enjoy fishing, barbequing and vacationing together with their supportive, loving and dedicated partners in life.
We celebrate all of their contributions this Father’s Day. Just a few of those contributions include: building and beautifying communities with their quality custom homes, creating a restaurant concept that feeds healthy food to approximately 1,500 guests per day, 7 days a week, and providing employment for over 140 people. As local business owners, Doug and Rick have accomplished so much, all while maintaining a lifetime of friendship, family fun and respect for one another.
On behalf of everyone at Picazzo’s, we would like to wish Doug, Rick and all of the fathers out there, a happy and healthy Father’s Day! Thank you for all that you do for the family, friends and communities around you! Where will you be taking the special men in your life this Father’s Day? Why not treat them to a meal at one of our 5 locations? We would be honored to celebrate with you!
Would you like to learn more about Picazzo’s; an Italian restaurant in Sedona that as evolved into so much more? Follow our blog! Here we will be featuring the people, communities and food that make Picazzo’s what it is today. While you’re here, be sure and check out these recent posts.
Happy National Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Month!
Picazzo’s Featured in PMQ Pizza Magazine
