Mom and pop pizza shop in Milton named among tops in state, nation
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George Rakidzich pulls a hot pie from the oven at Georgio’s Pizza in Milton. The restaurant has seen business spike since it was recognized in USA Today for its high quality pizza.
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George Rakidzich doesn’t skimp on the cheese as he spreads it on a pie at Georgio’s Pizza in Milton. Georgio’s earned acclaim for its pizzas in part because of using quality, fresh ingredients.
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George Rakidzich cuts a hot pizza, fresh from the oven at Georgio's Pizza in Milton.
MILTON — Until very recently, Georgio's Pizza in Milton was lucky to see a dozen customers a night.
The restaurant's owners, Lake Geneva couple Cheryl Ryan and George Rakidzich, say things have been slow and getting slower at the restaurant in downtown Milton since 2007, when the Great Recession began to take hold.
That's why it seemed crazy when last week, the 10-table dine-in/carryout restaurant got a phone message at 6:30 a.m. from someone in California who'd read about Georgio's mild, sweet pizza sauce and crispy homemade crust.
Then Georgio's started getting reservations from TV news reporters and travelers from as far away as central Illinois.
Business at Georgio's is booming—and all it took was a travel article published Nov. 6 in the newspaper USA Today, which named the pizza parlor one of Wisconsin's great pizza parlors and among the 51 greatest pizza places in the country.
Until recently, the owners of the cozy little restaurant at 301 Parkview Dr. have toiled in relative obscurity.
Cheryl, 59, and her husband, George, 50, commute from Lake Geneva to Georgio's six days a week. The restaurant typically opens at 5 p.m., but closing time floats based on customer flow. The restaurant hasn't done deliveries since the economy tanked.
In the depths of the recession, the couple say they weathered nights without a single dine-in customer. But since the USA Today story popped, business at the restaurant has spiked.
In 13 years of running Georgio's, George said he's never seen the restaurant this packed.
"We've been having 90 or 100 customers a night, and that doesn't count carryout," he says.
Cheryl says visitors who've seen media reports and want to try one of the state's best pizzas have been pouring into Georgio's from distances that seem, well, ludicrous.
Take Travis Radke, who lives in New London, a town north of Appleton and nearly a three-hour drive from Milton. Radke read a newspaper story about Georgio's national pizza honor this week and promptly called the restaurant for a reservation.
The 280-mile round trip will cost Radke about $35 in gas, but he figures it'll be worth it.
"I heard their pizza's that good," Radke told the Gazette.
Travel writer Mary Bergin, who USA Today tapped to find the best pizza place in Wisconsin for the paper's "Great American Bites" contest, said she chose Georgio's because its pizza is handcrafted.
"I'm not a food critic, but I know mindful work and care for quality when I see it. So many (other) restaurants order commodity ingredients without much thought," Bergin wrote in an e-mail.
Georgio's award-winning pizza is made using hand-rolled dough and sweet, 12-spice sauce—both of which George makes from scratch. The pizza's X-factor: It's loaded with mozzarella cheese that's full-test, not skim.
"It's the crust. It's the sauce. It's the cheese. It's all three elements. You've got to have all of them come together," George says.
It's an ethereal mix that George said took three years to perfect. Yet in a twist of irony, business recently is booming so much that Georgio's is struggling to keep its signature ingredients in house.
The kitchen literally is cranking out pizzas faster than suppliers can fill the restaurant's freezers.
One night last week, George had to send an employee to a local store for more ingredients. The problem: Georgio's was completely and utterly out of cheese.
Meanwhile, George is tweaking his pizza prep schedule to balance dine-in and carryout orders amid Georgio's unprecedented customer crush. He's considering extending hours at the restaurant to accommodate a customer flow he says has tripled.
How long might this deluge of curious, pizza-craving visitors continue? Cheryl smiles and say's she's not sure.
"We're got leaves piling up in the gutters at home," Cheryl says. "And George has been pacing around the house a lot. It's been crazy."
The restaurant's help has had to buck up, too.
Brandyn Rein, 16, of Janesville normally handles mostaccioli, spaghetti and dishwashing details at Georgio's, but lately he's had to man the phones and help with pizzas, too.
Rein and Georgio's waitress Krystal Moore, 20, of Johnstown Center, a student at UW-Whitewater, say they've seen a boost in hours and tips since crowds at the restaurant have mushroomed.
"I'm loving it. I've been getting a lot more experience in a lot less time," Rein says.
Despite the challenges fueled by the laws of supply, demand and the endless throngs of pizza connoisseurs, Georgio's owners are thrilled and honored to own the state's top pizza joint.
George, who every day wears a T-shirt from his favorite TV series, crab fishing reality show "The Deadliest Catch," says he'd like to have a reality series about pizza filmed at Georgio's.
Call the show "Un-Humble Pie."
"I want to go for the top 10 in the U.S. for pizza. You've always got to have something else," George says.
Cheryl remembers a time not long ago when the restaurant and its till were nearly empty at the end of long, nearly customer-less nights. She said it was painful driving home past the packed parking lots at big chain restaurants.
"It never got to the point where we were going to quit, but you wondered sometimes. You really wondered," she said.
No matter how popular Georgio's becomes, the couple says the restaurant couldn't have made it without its most loyal customers. Despite hard times, Georgio's regulars never went away, Cheryl says. And now they're showing up with congratulations, waving copies of USA Today.
"They've been telling us 'We told you so,'" Cheryl says.
Mar 28, 2013 at 1:32 a.m.
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I do like a cracker thin crust, and truly miss the pizza from Louies and Quonset in Waukegan. Sounds like this may be close, but much much pricier.. will give it a try sometime....whether or not I like it, its always nice to see a business doing well, and able to provide employment, especially for young people.
Dec 15, 2012 at 3:48 p.m.
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An absurd little place with odd food (the pizza crust is a cracker-style), high prices, and a way-out-of-proportion uppity attitude. Call ahead to reserve a table to eat a pizza and some over-sweet cheesecake? Bleecht...come on! Seems like they've managed to create a little niche market by somehow getting that out-of-nowhere USA Today write-up and then restricting their hours to create scarcity. Earth to Georgio's - GET REAL!
Want real good, REAL ITALIAN pizza, made by REAL ITALIANS ("George - NOT "Georgio" - Rakidzich"...that's Italian?) in this area, at reasonable prices too? Go to LISA PIZZA on S. Center or SAM'S PIZZA on Milton Avenue. PERIOD!
And don't EVEN get me started on the over-sweet, kiddie-food offerings put out by the decidedly non-Italian Italian House restaurant...you know, the one that (mis)appropriated Mario Puzo's Godfather book and movie logo in it's Gazette on-line advertising!!!
Nov 6, 2012 at 11:29 a.m.
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I'll be trying it out soon.I love trying new places. Pizza is a "personality" food. That's what makes it so good. It's different every where you go.FEAR: I think we all got you're true feelings on this subject with your first post. Are you really that bitter over a pizza? lol
Nov 6, 2012 at 7:49 a.m.
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I will be trying this place out for sure probably Friday! I love Pizza... who doesn't, and mom and pop places are the best.
Jan 24, 2012 at 10:24 a.m.
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Been all over the country and Georgio's pizza is the best Ive had ANYWHERE!! Never had a bad Pie dfrom there and Ive been going there for 8+ years!!
Funny that Janesville enjoys the greasy garbage that comes from their local Pizza holes, hilarious!
Jan 23, 2012 at 8:51 p.m.
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Sigma40 is a known troll and necro'ing old stories
Jan 23, 2012 at 1:26 p.m.
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Sigma40 how can you possibly tell from the image on this website? Your negativity in your comments leads me to believe you're not happy unless you can tear someone or something down with your opinion.
Why don't you STFU and order a pie. If it's nasty - ask for a refund. You're only out the time it took to actually experience it.
Jan 23, 2012 at 9:54 a.m.
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I wont go to this place just by the pic of the pizza coming out of the oven....BURNED!! Burned cheese is nasty. The one hes cutting looks ok... But obvoiusly a hit or miss place... no consistency.
Apr 13, 2011 at 4:27 p.m.
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fear - I've been told that before the article in USA Today, they were very slow. I know that because I drive by for errands and the lights are out. But since that article appeared, their business is up and they need to stay open longer on weekends. There's a lot of utilities going on for just 2 hours of service. Does not make business sense. Especially when the extra business would help pay for it.
Apr 9, 2011 at 10:01 a.m.
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It was good but $20 for a 10 inch is a bit extemee.
I still prefer Jims for about $4 less.
What is crazy you can get two pizza huts large and one med for $14 with a coupon.
Apr 9, 2011 at 8:23 a.m.
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Try Stone Oven Pizza in Brodhead. It is the best pizza around.
Apr 8, 2011 at 8:49 p.m.
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Janesville pizza is terrible! Macs? Tony Maria , Jims, all disgusting Pizza! As far as the fish hanging, its a FAMILY establishment and they love fishing! I think its cool , and the owners are super nice.
As far as the hours? Why stay open when its slow? They should stay open at 9pm so they can maybe get a couple of late walk ins? They own it and can dictate the hours. They have to keep overhead down! They obviously dont need to stay open later and hope for late eaters.
I still think that its hilarious you people in Janesburg like the garbage pizza holes around here. Until we found Georgios, we had given up on good pizza in the area. Macs might be worse than frozen pizza, and the family joints are nothing more than spongebread covered in Grease!! YUK!~
Apr 8, 2011 at 4:57 p.m.
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Primetime is less and does NOT compare to Jims for the extra mpney.
I called this eve and they said I might not get a carry out at 7 because the dining room may be full and the get them first BUT she can doa par- bake. Yes the price for a 10inch with topping floored me. It was more than Jims- it BETTER be good!!
Apr 5, 2011 at 6:52 p.m.
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My husband and I ate there shortly after this article was first printed. Our service was slow, the atmosphere was wierd (What's up with the fish stuff everywhere in a pizza place?), and the pizza wasn't that good! And I don't think I've ever paid so much for pizza in my life! Definitely won't be going back.
Apr 5, 2011 at 2:12 p.m.
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Yeah, I don't get the two hours (or so) on Saturday night! Being open until 9 or so is not uncommon. Apparently, they have other jobs and don't need the added hours to be open.
Apr 5, 2011 at 12:40 p.m.
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We ate there a couple weeks ago...pizza was good, prices were too high and service was just shy of rude. The place was also very poorly lit inside...could barely read the menu. Would rather stay in Jsvl and go to Jim's, Tony& Maria's or Mac's...better atmosphere, better prices and better pizza. These people should wise up and make the best of their PR by staying open longer, have more employees, light the place up and BE FRIENDLY!!!! Maybe even lower the prices a bit or try a coupon / discount promo.
Apr 5, 2011 at 12:30 p.m.
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I just dont get the Love for the Pizza places in Janesville. have tried them and they just are NOT good. My mother was in town , ordered one from Tony and marias, and threw it away! Grease puddles are not appetizing.
I would say however, Georgio's pizza is our favorite ANYWHERE! Nice people, and the food is OUTSTANDING!! We certainly are regular cusrtomers and have been since they opened. Probably our favorite restaraunt with speak easy. I come from a town of great food, this area doesnt have many good or great restaraunts, THIS IS ONE!! I put George's pies against any I have had out east or anywhere in Chicago! Top class!
Apr 5, 2011 at 10:07 a.m.
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We tried this place a couple weeks ago. It was very good pizza. That being said, the place is only open from 5pm-7:30 pm. If you want to try it definately make reservations. In my opinion 22.00 for a small pizza is a little rediculous. I can get just as good if not a little better at the earlier mentioned pizza places in Janesville for probably half the price. (Jim's is our favorite) A pizza place that has not been mentioned is Prime Time. We also like them for the price you cant beat them.
Apr 4, 2011 at 9:18 p.m.
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OOOHHH, my husband and I LOVE this restaurant. We always forget to make reservations! But for sure it's our next date night. If you havent tried the Lasagna, try it!! Better than my Italian grandmas!!
Apr 4, 2011 at 5:10 p.m.
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These people have been sowing seeds in their life for this to happen! I'm very happy for them! Run your business with integrity and take of the customers and you'll be taken care of as well! Win-Win or NO DEAL! Congratulations!
Apr 4, 2011 at 9:49 a.m.
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I was with my friends on a recent Saturday evening (7:00) and they had called to get a carryout and were told "sorry, we're closing shortly". What? 7:00??? Saturday evening??
Apr 4, 2011 at 12:08 a.m.
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Kudos!! This is absolutely divine pizza. I'm a Milton local and we've always had great customer service from this establishment (we are not weekly regulars either, maybe 10 times a year, dine-in and carryout mix). It couldn't have been more than a week or two ago that we called them before they even opened and they were more than happy to take our order and have us pick it up about 15 minutes before they opened because "they were there anyway". They also have a chicken alfredo pizza that they make for us that is not on the menu and is outstanding! No complaints from our family. I have to say that Georgios and Tony and Maria's are barnone some of the best pizza I have ever had, but they are 2 different types of pizzas. I'm glad to have the Fort and Whitewater recommendations, I can't wait to try them soon. I wish there was more support for our local businesses! Again,Congrats Georgios!
Dec 7, 2010 at 11:55 a.m.
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Glad to see this awesome pizza has finally been "discovered"! I started getting pizza from Georgios about 5 years ago and it rivals pizza I used to get in the Chicago area!
Dec 6, 2010 at 2:47 p.m.
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When this article first came out I was quite happy for Georgio's as my family enjoyed going here for pizza. Unfortunately, now you can't even get in. 4 of us went here to eat the other night, right after they opened, and only 2 of the tables were in use. We were turned away because other people had reservations (not sure when these people were coming but it was clear we weren't welcome). I even asked about ordering a pizza for carryout and they said 'sorry.' We came back to Janesville and went to Lisa's instead.
I would agree with most of the posters here that Jim's, Tony and Maria's and Lisa's are just as good if not better than Georgio's. My wife and I won't be going back to Georgio's, they can keep their pizza and their poor service.
Dec 2, 2010 at 5:02 p.m.
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I have been going there since they opened, Pizza is top notch, I am not so sure I would rate it one of the best in county let alone the country.
I do have to say it has become kind of a hassle to get seated if you did not make a reservation. MAKE A RESERVATION FOR PIZZA??? Come on get real this is not Chicago!
Make half of your tables reservable and the rest at a first come first serve basis. I can go down the street for a beer for 30 minutes or something if I have to wait but turning walkins away because they did not make a reservation is a great way to lose that would be loyal customer and all of their friends and family. I understand the newfound success can be a learning process but, I know at least 6 people who have told me they will not go back because they were turned away for not having a reservation. Lisas Pizza is in my opinion of what a pizza should be a far better combination of ingredients and execution. Now if Lisa's would just add a couple more beer choices to the menu life would be great!!
Dec 2, 2010 at 2:44 p.m.
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Homeboy from Appleton probably wouldn't walk across his living room to give a starving man a spoonful of soup, but drives 4 hours to get a freakin' pizza pie. Gotta love it.
Nov 29, 2010 at 3:52 p.m.
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we tried this pizza this weekend , and didnt have the same raving results the rest are giving . we order the thin crust maybe that was the mistake but for the price versus what we got , we ll pass
Nov 27, 2010 at 7:22 a.m.
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As I said early in my first post - I would check georgios out - Yes it was very good pizza. I just don't have a craving for lots of whole mozzerella cheese on a pizza. I don't know if they can use part skim mozzerela on their pizza if a customer asks. I did like the pizza, but for myself I would order it in the future with half the amount of cheese sprinkled on it. Final note --> I find the folowing pizza places in Janesville to be just as good--> Jims Pizza, Tony & Maria's, Lisa Pizzaria, and the best brunch pizza is the former Happy Joes Pizza--> MAC'S Pizza Shack - which has a great variety of quality pizza that will appeal to all. I go to Macs because of the convenient location, good broasted chicken, tremendous salad bar, and the friendly owners and workers. Yes - I ask for half the amount of cheese on all pizza I order in case you are interested. If you want a change from pizza - may I suggest - Mocha Moment - for the best coffee, lattes, etc - Plus the homemade fresh bakery items, etc. If you have never been here you are missing a great place for coffee in front of the fireplace. Check it out at:
mochamoment.com
Nov 24, 2010 at 1:07 p.m.
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Georgio's is waaaaay better than Salamones. I drive to Milton to pick up a pie from George regularly. I hope it won't get too difficult to get my order in! Hey George, how about letting us email you an order? Just a thought from your jalepeno and pineapple pizza friends.
Nov 24, 2010 at 12:07 p.m.
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The Lasagna is to die for as well! This is the cutest, quaint place to dine! Try them if you havent!!
Nov 24, 2010 at 8:42 a.m.
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That's excellent! Can't wait to try it.
Nov 23, 2010 at 5:16 a.m.
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Have to agree w everyone on how good the pizza is. We go once or twice a year cause of the price.
Nov 22, 2010 at 1:32 p.m.
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LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this story!!! Congratulations, Georgio's!!!
Nov 22, 2010 at 8:55 a.m.
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Paul I have to agree with you Gus's pizza is the best,but we are going to give Georgios a try.
Nov 21, 2010 at 6:25 p.m.
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Just had our first Georgio's pie and what a great pizza! Worth the trip from J'ville even for carry out. "It's the crust. It's the sauce. It's the cheese. It's all three elements. You've got to have all of them come together," amen brother, keep up the great work.
Nov 21, 2010 at 5:03 p.m.
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NOTHING BEATS A GUS'S PIZZA IN WHITEWATER
Nov 21, 2010 at 12:46 p.m.
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Good pizza, a bit overpriced. If you wait til 6pm to order you probably won't get your pizza. They book up quick on weekends.
Nov 20, 2010 at 6:37 p.m.
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pizza in this erea
"ketchup and cheese on a salteen cracker"
Nov 20, 2010 at 3:34 p.m.
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Salamones! Been a long time since I've had that pizza. They do make good pizza.
Nov 20, 2010 at 1:34 p.m.
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Nice to see a local restaurant receive national recognition for their pizza.
Their hard work & perseverance in these hard times, shows it can be done.
Kudos to them.
Nov 20, 2010 at 1:30 p.m.
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Nice to see a local restaurant receive national recognition for their hard work
& perseverance. Keep up the good work
Nov 20, 2010 at 1:28 p.m.
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Nice to see a local restaurant receiving recognition for their hard work & great pizza. Keep up the good work & great cooking
Nov 20, 2010 at 12:39 p.m.
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Their pizza is great but my experiences with the service were poor. We used to go there all the time because they have the best stuffed pizza, bar none, but we stopped going when the waitstaff became rude and acted as if we were an inconvenience when we would bring 6-8 people in at a time for dinner once every 3-4 months. We never really had time to make reservations as these pizza parties were usually a spur of the moment thing, and we were never asked to make reservations. I can forgive rudeness if its isolated, but it wasn't. We haven't been back for over 2 years now, and we miss the pizza....
Nov 20, 2010 at 12:36 p.m.
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This surprises me. I have had their pizza, and it is OK, but Lisa is much better.
I would put Salamones in Fort right up there with this place.
Nov 20, 2010 at 12:26 p.m.
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What an awesome story!!
Nov 20, 2010 at 11:50 a.m.
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My family has known about this place for a long time now. We love all of their food. They have an amazing cheesecake also.
We will now have to make reservations when we eat there.
We are so happy for Cheryl and George.
Nov 20, 2010 at 10:53 a.m.
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Hmmm. weird, Ive never heard of this place either. Tony & Marias is top notch stuff, and if this place is up there with them, I'll have to check it out for sure.
Nov 20, 2010 at 10:18 a.m.
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Wow, I live in Fort and had never heard of this place. Will have to try it sometime now.
Nov 20, 2010 at 6:01 a.m.
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How neat! Now I want to go try their pizza lol
Nov 20, 2010 at 3:30 a.m.
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Now that is a good article
Nov 19, 2010 at 11:07 p.m.
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I agree, Tony & Maria's and Jim's pizza are the best pizzas in the area. Georgio's is a fine pizza, just not as good as the other two.
Nov 19, 2010 at 9:55 p.m.
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what happend to Emmanual??? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pizza_Conne... Its said he was never seen directly involved with the drugs... After serving his time, he returned to milton and his resturant. we loved him in milton.. then laws changed and all immigrants convicted of feloneys were kick out of the country... and so went Emmanual, great pizza and a loved member of milton
Nov 19, 2010 at 9:16 p.m.
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Tony and Maria's is outstanding. I think theirs and Jim's are tied for the best pizza I have ever tasted.
Nov 19, 2010 at 7:45 p.m.
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Georgio's surpasses Tony & Maria's by far!
Nov 19, 2010 at 7:33 p.m.
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Congrats to Georgio's I dont think I would drive 280 miles round trip for this pizza, now Tony and Maria's on Milton Ave maybe. JMO
Nov 19, 2010 at 6:43 p.m.
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I've never known of this place but I'm going to have to give it a try.
Nov 19, 2010 at 5:48 p.m.
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This is a great story, and it's good to know there is one good pizza place in Milton!
Nov 19, 2010 at 5:41 p.m.
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What ever happened to Emmanuel who owned the Milton pizza parlor? Is this biz in the same building? I sure did love the special sauce and dough Emmanuel used for his pizza. That was great pizza and now will have to check this pizza out.
Nov 19, 2010 at 5:14 p.m.
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Gonna see if we can get close to the place tonight. The phone number has been busy for awhile. Gotta try it.
Nov 19, 2010 at 5:09 p.m.
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I'm within a stone's throw of there. I HAVE noticed business traffic picking up at Georgio's. I've always liked their pizza.
The state's BEST pizza, WOW!
Nov 19, 2010 at 4:58 p.m.
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We are happy to hear that people recognize Cheryl and George's pizza business as the real deal. It is the best pizza around and you'll find yourself going back frequently. It is also great that Georgio's is surviving this recession. More power to them!!
Nov 19, 2010 at 4:54 p.m.
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Congratulations! Sounds like a well-deserved lucky break. Surprised it would hit like this without more local awareness beyond word of mouth.
Nov 19, 2010 at 4:19 p.m.
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I miss living in Miton we use to have a pizza from there atleast once a week now that we moved to Janesburg 10 years ago dont really order there pizza as they dont have delivery . Guess now I better call a day ahead though when I want to pick one up on the way home from my sons practice
Nov 19, 2010 at 4:11 p.m.
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This is good for Milton!
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