Derrick Rose dishing out pizza with purchase of Giordanos

By Zach Mink

Derrick Rose has many ties to Chicago. Between basketball, his hometown, and his love of the city, its not hard to see why Rose is one of the most loyal players in the NBA. Like any true Chicagoan, the former MVP is a fan of deep-dish pizza. Enough of a fan to become an equity partner in Giordanos, according to ESPN.

The pizza company is centrally located around the Chicagoland area, but is looking to branch out around the Midwest, Big 10 schools and eventually across the U.S., according to the report. The brand has been growing at “5 to 9 percent a year” according to owner Yorgo Koutsogiorgas, though that figure is sure to rise with arguably the most famous Chicago athlete since Michael Jordan gracing the pizza boxes.

Rose reportedly got into the deal through his agent B.J. Armstrong, who was friends with Richard Levy,  managing partner of Victory Park Capital Advisors. After Giordanos filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in early 2011, an investor group led by the advising company purchased the pizza business for $61.6 million.

While I’m more of a Lou Malnati’s guy, the move should boost the bottom line for the once struggling brand. For fans of the Chicago Bulls, this should be yet another reminder of how lucky the city of Chicago was to get such a loyal guy. With Derrick Rose creating investments tied to his roots, he looks to be in the city for the long haul. And at only 23 years old, his business in Chicago is far from over.

 

Zach Mink covers the Chicago Bulls for Rant Sports. Follow him on twitter @zachmink12 for more news and analysis.

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