This year, Rocco’s Ristorante Pizzeria in Walnut Creek entered its second quarter century in operation. Its walls feature pictures and memorabilia showing the history of a proud Italian-American family.

Rocco Biale started the establishment in 1999. Born in San Francisco, he lived with his family in the upstairs unit of his grandfather Giovanni’s butcher shop on Potrero Hill. Rocco’s father Mario owned and operated several bars. He was most known for Bimbo’s 365 Club, which began as a speakeasy in the 1930s and later moved to its present location on Broadway as a nightclub.