Rose Totino

Introduction[edit | edit source]

Rose Totino was a prominent American businesswoman and the co-founder of Totino's, a popular brand of frozen pizza. She was born on January 16, 1915, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and passed away on June 21, 1994. Totino is widely recognized for her significant contributions to the frozen food industry, particularly in the development and popularization of frozen pizza.

Early Life[edit | edit source]

Rose Totino was born to Italian immigrants and was the third of seven children. Her parents, who were originally from Naples, Italy, instilled in her a love for Italian cuisine from a young age. Despite facing financial difficulties, Totino managed to graduate from high school and began working in a shirt factory to support her family.

Career[edit | edit source]

In 1951, Rose Totino and her husband, Jim Totino, opened a take-out pizzeria in Northeast Minneapolis called Totino's Italian Kitchen. The pizzeria quickly gained popularity due to its unique square-cut pizzas, leading the Totinos to expand their business by opening a full-service restaurant in 1958.

In 1962, the Totinos started producing frozen pizzas, which were among the first of their kind. Rose Totino was instrumental in the development of the company's signature crispy crust, which set Totino's pizzas apart from their competitors. The success of their frozen pizzas led to the sale of their company to Pillsbury in 1975. Following the sale, Rose Totino became the first female corporate vice president at Pillsbury.

Legacy[edit | edit source]

Rose Totino's contributions to the frozen food industry have left a lasting impact. Her innovations in frozen pizza production have influenced the way frozen pizzas are made and consumed today. In recognition of her achievements, Totino was inducted into the Frozen Food Hall of Fame in 1993.

Conclusion[edit | edit source]

Rose Totino's life and career serve as an inspiring example of entrepreneurship and innovation. Her dedication to her craft and her ability to transform a small pizzeria into a nationally recognized brand are testaments to her business acumen and her passion for food. Today, Totino's continues to be a popular brand of frozen pizza, and Rose Totino's legacy lives on in every crispy, delicious slice.

References[edit | edit source]

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