Every college town has a go-to pizza place. Some might have two or even three. But only one town has Ricatoni’s. This Italian restaurant in historic downtown Florence has been around for decades serving tasty, homemade food, supporting its community and employing lots of local students, but the passion of owner Rick Elliott is what makes Ricatoni’s special. He’s as much of a draw as his dishes.

Families with students at the University of North Alabama swear by Ricatoni’s. They usually mention the cheese ravioli and Ricatoni’s commercials in the same sentence. The restaurant, in a building that dates to the 1880s, opened in 1996. Elliott describes Ricatoni’s as “a fun place to go.” It’s a cool place to go, too.