On Tuesday, April 10, 1973, a horrible
fire nearly ruined Buddy LaRosa’s original location on Boudinot
Avenue in Western Hills. The blaze began in a deep fryer in the
Pizzeria kitchen, virtually destroying the kitchen area before
fireman could contain the flames.
Insurance adjusters predicted at least 180 days would be needed
to make repairs and improvements necessary to re-open the Pizzeria.
This was devastating news, which if true, could have brought LaRosa’s
to financial ruin.
But, on the Saturday after the fire, a miracle happened that would
forever create a special bond between LaRosa’s and the High Schools
in our community.
As demolition work was set to begin that morning, truckloads of
coaches and teachers, students, and athletes from Western Hills,
Elder, Oak Hills, and other schools arrived to lend a hand. They
volunteered their time and energy, helping wherever needed, as
a gesture of support for Buddy and his company, whom they had come
to know as a great friend.
Buddy would never forget what these unselfish people did for his
business. He pledged that day to do whatever he could to support
High School sports in Cincinnati. He eventually dedicated the Buddy
LaRosa High School Sports Hall of Fame to honor the heroes that
helped him survive tragedy.
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