Taverna Rossa

Pizza and Beer

Pizza and beer. For years, these two magic words have existed in delicious harmony. But in our grab-a-slice and chug-a-cold-one world, Taverna Rossa is here to take this tried-and-true pair to the next level.

Passionate about creating a remarkable experience through great food, drinks, service and atmosphere, Preston Lancaster, along with partner Tony Smith, set out to create their own favorite restaurant in a community they grew up in and are proud to be a part of.

Settling for nothing less than handmade goodness and hometown flavors, each pizza and entree is loaded with locally sourced ingredients like smoked Texas brisket and apple wood smoked bacon from Hamm’s Meat Market in McKinney, Lemley Tomatoes from Canton, Luscher’s Italian Sausage and Texas Wagyu sirloin.

The menu was created in collaboration with culinary consultant Brian Luscher, Chef/Owner of The Grape in Dallas, whose influence elevates every bite to pizza perfection.

Enjoy your pie with an ice-cold brew from our worldly craft beer selection. Or, for our guests wearing their fancy pants, we offer one-of-a-kind, handcrafted cocktails and a variety of wines.

Taverna Rossa is a place to make yourself at home and rest your feet, but make sure you can still tap ‘em along to the live bands that play 1 to 2 nights a week. From blues to country to rock, even the music has local flavor.

So grab your friends, grab your appetite and leave your old-school pizza principles at the door. Because at Taverna Rossa, we’ve crafted pizza and beer into a serious slice of amazing.

Thank you for your patronage, we truly appreciate it!

Our Team

Preston Lancaster

Founder / ceo

Preston was born and raised in Dallas, Texas with restaurant-centric DNA in him. His grandparents were in the business for over 50 years and his mom owns a pizzeria and wine bar where Preston worked as a kid, running food and bussing tables. Fast-forward many years, Preston earned a golf scholarship to the University of San Diego and left four years later with a Business degree and his sights set on entering into the hospitality industry.

Preston has always been an entrepreneur at heart, from starting a lawn-mowing business as a child to owning a financial services company to owning half a dozen restaurants in the DFW Metroplex. In 2007, Preston purchased Palio’s Pizza Café in Little Elm, Texas and subsequently opened up three more North Texas locations. Soon after came the purchase and rebuild of the highly acclaimed Cadillac Pizza Pub in Downtown McKinney, Texas.  Next, the concept of Taverna Rossa was born and opened its doors in 2013 in Plano, Texas.

Tony & Sarah Smith

Tony Smith
VP of Operations / Partner

Tony has grown up in the entertainment and service industries all his life, having been mentored by his grandfather, regional executive with Metro Goldwin Mayer Motion Pictures. Tony was raised in Dallas, Texas, but spent many years traveling and living abroad before he met Preston Lancaster in 2006, and later joined the group with restaurant #1, Palio’s Pizza Café in Little Elm.

Getting to do what he loves every day, Tony has become VP of Operations and a Partner in the 33 Restaurant Group, and remains enthused about its giant future. Having worked in the country club and restaurant industries most of his adult life, He’s truly living his dream, while bringing the Craft Pizza & Craft Bar scene to the next level.

An extreme sports enthusiast and huge Dallas Cowboy fan, an avid golfer and always giving Preston serious matches on the golf course. Tony is also a pizza oven master and a Jedi bartender, resurrecting his grandfather’s favorite recipes, including his famous Bloody Mary. You never know what Tony might whip up behind the bar or in the kitchen, but you can be guaranteed that it’ll be amazing and leave you coming back for more.

Tony enjoys working with his wife and life-partner, Sarah, who coordinates private events and gatherings for the 33 Restaurant Group, along with creating inspirational design touches and décor for the restaurants. I look forward to seeing you in one of our locations.

Sarah Smith
DIRECTOR OF LARGE PARTY EVENTS AND CATERING

One of the most energetic, creative, and organized catering and large party directors that any company would be lucky enough to have. Sarah is the loving wife of owner and operating partner Tony Smith. You can see her decorating the restaurants and preparing events for parties that join us in the restaurants and at home.

Shannon McCarthy

Marketing and PR

Shannon is the creative lead behind {33} Restaurant Group’s Marketing and PR. With a Bachelor of Science in Marketing and a diverse background in the sports, entertainment, and restaurant industries, Shannon brings a new perspective to our community relations and strategies. She regularly finds inspiration at the restaurants, or should we say “the office”. So next time you are in one of our restaurants, and you see her making a desk at one of our tables, feel free to stop by and let her know what you think!

Community

{33} Restaurant Group and Taverna Rossa strongly believe in giving back to the communities we serve.  We are thankful to be a part of your community and appreciate the opportunity to serve you great pizza, great brews, and remarkable experiences.

If you or somebody you know has a great cause they are supporting and they are looking for an opportunity to raise money, collect gifts, need volunteers, etc, then please reach out to us at and let’s see how we might partner together!

Press

TravelHost

Where The FC Dallas Players Eat

Frisco’s own FC Dallas players sat down with us for a peek behind the scenes of the power-house MLS franchise. We found out where the players eat, shop and play when they aren’t on the field training or competing.
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Zagat

20 AMAZING PIZZAS YOU NEED TO TRY RIGHT NOW IN DALLAS/FORT WORTH

Whether arriving at your doorstep or your table, pizza makes any day better.
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Community Impact

SOUTHLAKE’S TAVERNA ROSSA FEATURES LIVE MUSIC ALONG WITH TEX-ITALIAN MENU

Since its opening a year and a half ago in Southlake, Taverna Rossa has intended to be the regular spot…
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Dining with Delia Jo

EAT THIS: NEW MENU ITEMS AT TAVERNA ROSSA

Taverna Rossa is a popular destination for pizza, patio views, and drinks in Plano. Since its opening in 2012, they’ve made a name for themselves…
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Dallas Observer

CELEBRATE NATIONAL TEQUILA DAY IN DALLAS WITH THESE UNEXPECTED TEQUILA COCKTAILS

This take on a classic margarita will make you rethink pizza and beer…
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Plano Magazine

NTX BEER WEEK 2016

Chug-a-lug, chug-a-lug. North Texans who celebrate the return of fall with a personal favorite locally brewed beer and/or a few seasonal selects, will want to mark down November 11-20 on the calendar. .
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Guide Live

HERE IS WHERE TO FIND ELECTION DAY FOOD AND DRINK DEALS IN DALLAS-FORT WORTH

As the most divisive, bizarre and, frankly, exhausting U.S. presidential campaign ever crawls sputtering and gasping toward the general election finish line, the word among us common folk is more “can it just be over?” than fervor for a particular candidate.
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Zagat

20 AMAZING PIZZAS YOU NEED TO TRY RIGHT NOW IN DALLAS-FORT WORTH

Whether arriving at your doorstep or at your table from a coal-fired oven, pizza makes any day better. So to celebrate this round (sometimes square) masterpiece of dough, sauce and cheese (some traditional, some way outside-the-pizza-box), we’ve gathered 20 of the greatest around Dallas–Fort Worth, each fantastic in its own right. No matter how you slice it.
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Pop Goes The City

DALLAS OFF THE CLOCK: TRANSITION COCKTAILS

It’s finally starting to cool off in the metroplex. And that means that restaurants and bars all over town will be offering drinks perfect for fall and winter.
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Star-Telegram

TAVERNA ROSSA’S $10 LUNCH SPECIAL: FANCY PIZZA FOR A FAMILY PRICE

The price of a handmade, stone-oven pizza with local, premium toppings is now $10 at lunch, including a salad.
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Plano Magazine

56 BEST EATS IN PLANO 2016

Plano is kinda exploding these days with new restaurants. It can be tricky to figure out where to spend your hard-earned dollars when it’s time for dinner. But fear not, loyal Plano Magazine readers,…
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Fun City Stuff

TAVERNA ROSSA SOUTHLAKE TOPS THE PUB FAIR FOOD CHAIN

The pizza was good. The crust was fabulous. We were divided on the pizza flavors…
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76092

LOCAL BUZZ

Just a few short years ago, if you saw a local beer on a restaurant menu or in your supermarket, it was a Shiner Bock…
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Star-Telegram

TAVERNA ROSSA ADDS A LAYER OF CRUST TO SOUTHLAKE’S PIZZA WORLD

Although Southlake has no shortage of pizza, there’s room for one more, if done well.
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Zagat

THE 18 BEST THINGS TO EAT AND DRINK THIS SUMMER IN DFW

The long days and warm nights of summer provide limitless opportunities for fun and adventure…
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Eater

DINING IN THE ‘BURBS

Pizza and beer go together like peas and carrots, especially at Taverna Rossa.
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D Magazine Sidedish

THE SCOOP

Taverna Rossa Craft Pizza and Beer celebrates the new locale with a grand opening celebration on Thursday, May 19.
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Zagat

12 AMAZINGLY DELICIOUS BRISKET DISHES IN DALLAS-FT. WORTH

This Plano favorite (and new Southlake sibling) serves brisket on pizzas, and inside its Texas-inspired lasagna…
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Star Local Media

NEW TENANTS TO JOIN GRANDSCAPE DEVELOPMENT

Heritage Pizza Co. is the newest concept from {33} Restaurant Group, the same team behind Taverna Rossa and Cadillac Pizza Pub.
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Star-Telegram

EATS BEAT: NEW CHEF AT MAX’S, MORE PIZZA AND BRUNCH IN SOUTHLAKE

If there’s anything Southlake doesn’t need, it’s more pizza. But none of the other Southlake artisan pizza bars is quiet like Taverna Rossa, open in busy Park Village next to Malai.
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Eater Dallas

TAVERNA ROSSA IS NOW SLINGING STONE-FIRED PIZZAS & QUESO IN SOUTHLAKE

Rustin thin-crust pizzas and Texas Queso in the same concept may not make a whole lot of sense at first, but it’s a formula that Taverna Rossa has clearly perfected.
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Zagat

74 KILLER SPOTS FOR BEER IN DALLAS – FT. WORTH

There’s nothing quite like an icy cold beer on a hot afternoon. Or a rainy evening. Or with a platter of huevos rancheros during Sunday brunch. Really, is there any occasion when a pint or two isn’t in order?
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360 West Magazine

DINING OUT

With one restaurant area, Southlake is stepping up its game in two trendy areas: good pizza & good beer.
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DFW.com

THE BEST RESTAURANT PATIOS IN DFW

In a way, Southlake’s eclectic restaurant/retail center Park Village is one big patio, with a multicolor-lighted fountain spraying artfully…
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Culture Map

THIS DALLAS RESTAURANT NEWS ROUNDUP CAN BARELY CONTAIN ALL OF THE OPENINGS

If you want pizza, doughnuts, and coffee, you’ve come to the right place. We bring you tidings of a new pizzeria…
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Zagat

THE 12 MOST ANTICIPATED SPRING RESTAURANT OPENINGS IN DALLAS – FT. WORTH

The flowers are blooming and the birds are singing more cheerily, but our favorite sign of spring is the new crop of restaurants sprouting up all over the greater metro area.
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Eater Dallas

TAVERNA ROSSA WILL EXPAND SOUTHLAKE’S RAPIDLY GROWING DINING SCENE IN APRIL

Since opening in Plano, Taverna Rossa Craft Pizza & Beer has made a name for itself as one of the best spots in the ‘burbs to find a slice.
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Dallas Observer

TAVERNA ROSSA’S SECOND LOCATION IS OPENING IN SOUTHLAKE’S PARK VILLAGE

Craft beer and pizza is coming to the new Park Village Shopping Center in Southlake. Taverna Rossa, a project from the pizza-centric restaurant group that owns Cadillac Pizza Pub and Palio’s Pizza Cafe, will open in April, according to a press release.
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Star-Telegram

RESTAURANT NEWS FOR MARCH

A Winning Combination: Add Taverna Rossa Craft Pizza & Beer to a lengthy list of pizza possibilities in Southlake.
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Southlake Style

PIZZA PARTY: LOCALLY SOURCED EATS, CRAFT BEER, LIVE MUSIC COMING TO SOUTHLAKE

Taverna Rossa Craft Pizza and Beer is making its way to Southlake’s Park Village to offer hometown flavors in a comfortable, eclectic atmosphere.
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CBS DFW

BEST BLT IN DFW

In case you weren’t aware, April is National BLT Month, which gives you a good reason to indulge in America’s second favorite sandwich (ham being the first) all month long.
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Culture Trip

EATING OUT IN PLANO, TX: TOP 10 LOCAL RESTAURANTS

Deriving its name from its topography, Plano in Texas is a rapidly growing city, both economically and culturally. With an international population and a wide variety of cuisines, from Asian to Italian and Cuban to Viennese, we explore the top places to eat in Plano.
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Plano Magazine

TAVERNA ROSSA

Preston Lancaster and Tony Smith are in no hurry. It’s Monday evening, and their restaurant, Taverna Rossa, is filling up for dinner, with servers and customers engaged in lively chatter. 
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Zagat

THE HOTTEST PIZZERIAS AROUND THE US

In many cities across the U.S., the best and most beloved pizzeria is also the oldest. It’s one foodstuff where tradition often trumps hotness. But, that doesn’t mean there aren’t any new pizza spots worth paying attention to.
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Neighbors Go

TAVERNA ROSSA CRAFT PIZZA AND BEER CELEBRATES NTX BEER WEEK

Taverna Rossa dives in to North Texas Beer Week October 31-November 9 with a series of events and an exclusive tapping of Franconia’s Tripel Dunkel (November 1 at 12:00 pm) in conjunction with the first anniversary of the restaurant.
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CityLicious

TAVERNA ROSSA – CRAFT PIZZA AND BEER WORTH GOING OUT FOR!

Feels upscale without all the pretentiousness. The antler chandeliers, outdoor patio, & vintage light fixtures go a long way to get this place a unique yet comfortable feel. 
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Plano Star Courier

THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE PLANO

The Plano Chamber of Commerce is proud to recognize Plano’s best and brightest at its annual Best of Plano awards dinner.
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 ZAGAT

6 TOP SPOTS FOR THE GO TEXAN RESTAURANT ROUND-UP

For the seventh year, the Go Texan Restaurant Round-Up showcases the state’s finest produce, meats and wine as part of a week-long celebration of all that’s raised, grown and cultivated in the Lone Star state.
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CRAVE DFW

CELEBRATE AMERICAN CRAFT BEER WEEK AT TAVERNA ROSSA

Looking to celebrate American Craft Beer Week?  In honor of American Craft Beer Week Taverna Rossa and Dallas’ Peticolas Brewing Company team-up for a beer-paired dinner Thursday, May 15 at 7:00pm.
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ZAGAT

9 REASONS TO DRIVE TO PLANO

Plano is about a whole lot more than buying a house with a yard and settling down. The ‘burb to our north happens to have a terrific variety of restaurants to choose from.
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 EATER DALLAS

12 PLACES TO FIND GLUTEN-FREE PIZZA IN DFW

Whether it’s an intolerance, an allergy, or a passing caveman-style Paleo challenge, there’s no reason why those eschewing gluten can’t enjoy pizza too. In honor of Pizza Week, we’ve rounded up Dallas’ best gluten-free pies.
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THRILLIST

THE COOLEST BARS AND RESTAURANTS IN TOWN

It’s time for a new edition (easy there, Bobby Brown) of the Thrillist 47, giving you the best new and new-ish places to eat and drink. Some had to go (we hardly knew ye, Private Social), while other hot spots could not be denied.
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ZAGAT

8 SPICY COCKTAILS TO TRY IN DALLAS

You already know that everything’s bigger in Texas, but it’s also true that everything’s spicier here, too; the food, the personalities and even the drinks. Here’s a selection of must-sip cocktails that pack a punch.
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 PLANO PROFILE

RESTAURANT REVIEW: TAVERNA ROSSA

With the name Taverna Rossa, we expected this new restaurant in Lakeside Market to look like a typical Italian restaurant. Boy, were we wrong!
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D MAGAZINE

RESTAURANT REVIEW: TAVERNA ROSSA

Preston Lancaster’s goal was to make people happy. If you like pizza and beer, you will be.
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D MAGAZINE

BEST BLOODY MARY IN DALLAS? TAVERNA ROSSA IN PLANO MAKES A DOOZIE

The best Bloody Mary in Dallas isn’t really in Dallas, it lives just across the city limits in Plano.
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