Owner Rocco DiGrazia says the sign isn’t meant to be anti-police or confrontational. Instead, he views it as a simple assertion of legal boundaries. “This isn’t anything personal,” he told 13 News. “We had seven officers here in uniform eating today, and I expect it’ll be the same tomorrow.” DiGrazia also pointed out that his father was a 33-year veteran of the Chicago Police Department and that the restaurant has served officers regularly for over 26 years.
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He even credits his passion for food to his father’s police work. “I learned to love food from my dad, because cops know where to eat,” he said. “He would drive me somewhere for an hour to get a sandwich. When I see folks in uniform out on the floor, I know we’re making some good food and I’m glad to see them every day.”
So why post the sign? According to DiGrazia, it’s a response to growing concerns over officers entering private businesses without warrants. “If somebody comes here with a signed warrant and they’re conducting official police or law enforcement business, they’re completely welcome,” he explained. The sign mirrors those distributed by some local advocacy groups in response to increasing immigration enforcement activity.
The message, however, hasn’t sat well with everyone. Some social media users were quick to express outrage, calling for boycotts of the restaurant. One user commented, “I will not support a business that doesn’t support our law enforcement. You should be ashamed. #boycottroccos.” Another wrote, “I won’t go somewhere that law enforcement is not welcome!”
DiGrazia appears unfazed by the backlash. He calls the criticism “low-hanging fruit” and sees it as an expected side effect of life in the digital age. “It’s okay,” he said. “I’ll respond to all these people, and it’ll either go away or not, but I think business will be fine.” His focus remains on the food. “My side is tasty food,” he added with a shrug.
In fact, despite the online outrage, DiGrazia says law enforcement continues to be regular patrons, and no real conflict has arisen. “This has been up for two months. I have not seen a pause in law enforcement eating here. They seem to understand it.”
The debate continues to simmer online. For some, it’s a bold affirmation of personal rights. For others, it’s a slight to those in uniform. Either way, Rocco’s Little Chicago remains at the center of a controversy that shows no signs of cooling off.
