Meet Melissa Rickman | Restauranteur, public speaker, World Pizza Champion

We had the good fortune of connecting with Melissa Rickman and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Melissa, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I believe that we each have a god given gift or talent and that it is our job, if you will, to share it with the world. I was given the gift of service and the love of great food, I am very fortunate to be able to share that gift each day.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am the founder and executive chef of Wholly Stromboli East Coast eatery in Fort Lupton, Colorado. I think what really sets us apart from other restaurants in our area is our commitment to using only the freshest ingredients partnering with other local businesses that are best in class like amazing Breweries, distilleries And purveyors of the finest cheeses, tomatoes, and olive oil oils in the world. Our commitment to hospitality and old-fashioned values really gives us an edge in our market, our mission statement, enriching the lives of everyone we meet through exceptional hospitality, food, and drink, exemplifies that. It it is not uncommon to hear that restaurants are hard and that is the truth. In fact, this is the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life, but it is the most rewarding. The opportunities that have come my way as a result of being in this industry owning this restaurant in Fort Lupton, Colorado our countless what I want people to know about my story is that through hard work, passion, commitment, and surrounding yourself with the best people And the best resources you can accomplish anything. The sky is the limit.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would start by taking my friend to wholly Stromboli of course on a Friday night, we would hang out in the speakeasy. Enjoy some live music from a local band enjoy a Manhattan and have a fantastic night. I would then take them. I would then take them up to Estes Park. The views are breathtaking and there are so many neat things to do up there great shopping, fantastic chocolates, and then a tour of the Stanley hotel. I would end my afternoon by grabbing a slice of pizza and Antonio’s real New York Pizza, owned by a great friend of mine and a fantastic pizza maker.

We would head out east to the wild animal sanctuary. For a beautiful afternoon spent appreciating their community of big cats and other animals who they lovingly care for.
I would then go grab a nice pour of whiskey down in Denver at the laws whiskey House. Another locally owned favorite dedicated to excellence and exceptional hospitality.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The shout out really goes to my husband Eric. He has been the driving force behind my success. The restaurant industry is an easy but just when I think I can’t, he’s there there to remind me that I can. Out skills and talents complement each other so well. He supports me my dreams and my crazy ideas. I wouldn’t be where I am today without him by my side.

Facebook: facebook/melissa Rickman or facebook/Wholly Stromboli

Yelp: Wholly Sstomboli