A beloved pizza joint in Tucson is stirring up major online buzz after a message on its marquee sparked a heated debate across social media.
Roccoâs Little Chicago, a longtime local favorite known for its deep-dish pizza, wings, and cheeky signage, has gone viral for a sign that reads: âAll law enforcement officials do not enter without a lawful search warrant.â The message, though displayed for months, only recently began attracting widespread attention â and itâs been polarizing to say the least.
Owner Rocco DiGrazia says the sign isnât meant to be anti-police or confrontational. Instead, he views it as a simple assertion of legal boundaries. âThis isnât anything personal,â he told 13 News. âWe had seven officers here in uniform eating today, and I expect itâll be the same tomorrow.â DiGrazia also pointed out that his father was a 33-year veteran of the Chicago Police Department and that the restaurant has served officers regularly for over 26 years.
He even credits his passion for food to his fatherâs police work. âI learned to love food from my dad, because cops know where to eat,â he said. âHe would drive me somewhere for an hour to get a sandwich. When I see folks in uniform out on the floor, I know weâre making some good food and Iâm glad to see them every day.â
So why post the sign? According to DiGrazia, itâs a response to growing concerns over officers entering private businesses without warrants. âIf somebody comes here with a signed warrant and theyâre conducting official police or law enforcement business, theyâre completely welcome,â he explained. The sign mirrors those distributed by some local advocacy groups in response to increasing immigration enforcement activity.
The message, however, hasnât sat well with everyone. Some social media users were quick to express outrage, calling for boycotts of the restaurant. One user commented, âI will not support a business that doesnât support our law enforcement. You should be ashamed. #boycottroccos.â Another wrote, âI wonât go somewhere that law enforcement is not welcome!â
DiGrazia appears unfazed by the backlash. He calls the criticism âlow-hanging fruitâ and sees it as an expected side effect of life in the digital age. âItâs okay,â he said. âIâll respond to all these people, and itâll either go away or not, but I think business will be fine.â His focus remains on the food. âMy side is tasty food,â he added with a shrug.
In fact, despite the online outrage, DiGrazia says law enforcement continues to be regular patrons, and no real conflict has arisen. âThis has been up for two months. I have not seen a pause in law enforcement eating here. They seem to understand it.â
The debate continues to simmer online. For some, itâs a bold affirmation of personal rights. For others, itâs a slight to those in uniform. Either way, Roccoâs Little Chicago remains at the center of a controversy that shows no signs of cooling off.