Neo Pizza

Charlie Green spent years in search of the best, most authentic pizza recipe to bring home to Dallas. In 2007, Green opened Olivella’s, which features traditional recipes from Naples, Italy’s third-oldest pizza family, but with a modern twist. The opening was met with wide praise from the media, both nationally and locally:

2007  -  The Dallas Morning News  -  “Top 10 New Restaurants”

2007  -  Fort Worth Star-Telegram  -  “We Love This NY Pizza”

2008  -  Zagat  -  “Finally Real Pizza in Dallas!”

2008  -  D Magazine  -  “Best Of”

2009  -  Dallas Observer  -  “Critic’s Pick – Best Pizza in Dallas”

2010  -  Rachael Ray  -  “Most Delicious Pizza You’ll Ever Eat” (top 64 in the U.S.)

The reviews helped Green quickly build a large and loyal customer base – one that from the start often waited two hours on weekend evenings to be seated in Olivella’s 900-square-foot restaurant.

Facing high customer demand and a desire to introduce modernized but traditional Italian sandwiches, pastas and salads, Green raised $1 million to expand to a larger space and kitchen in Victory Park. Green unveils his new menu, including new pizzas, sandwiches, pastas and salads, at Neo Pizza Napoletana by Olivella’s in Victory Park May 2010.

Though square footage and menu vary between the two locations, Green’s restaurant tenets remain the same:

• Provide five-star food without five-star prices or pretentiousness
• Infuse neighborhoods with new hang-outs for business lunches and residents

Green is no stranger to entrepreneurialism. Prior to opening Olivella’s, Green was in software and medical sales. He has also owned a New York City-based sportswear company. In 1985, Green graduated from Swarthmore College. Green has Washington, D.C. roots, but loves living in Dallas where he has been for the last 20 years.