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!
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 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.
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!
{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!
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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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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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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The pizza was good. The crust was fabulous. We were divided on the pizza flavors…
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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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Pizza and beer go together like peas and carrots, especially at Taverna Rossa.
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Taverna Rossa Craft Pizza and Beer celebrates the new locale with a grand opening celebration on Thursday, May 19.
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This Plano favorite (and new Southlake sibling) serves brisket on pizzas, and inside its Texas-inspired lasagna…
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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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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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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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With one restaurant area, Southlake is stepping up its game in two trendy areas: good pizza & good beer.
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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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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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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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A Winning Combination: Add Taverna Rossa Craft Pizza & Beer to a lengthy list of pizza possibilities in Southlake.
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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For Booking, contact 13th Floor Music:
Friday June 22nd • 9:30pm
Come check out the Buzz Andrews band at Taverna Rossa! Buzz has been doing his thing throughout the US since 1963! Rock and Roll is definitely in his blood and the blues are what soothes his soul.
Come on down and ‘Get Buzzed’!
Friday June 22nd • 9:00pm
Welcome Chadwick for the first time to the Plano stage! Chadwick’s music can only be described as upbeat, entertaining band playing a huge selection of classic and contemporary hits with soulful vocals.
Saturday June 23rd • 9:30pm
We’d like to introduce you to The Superkings for their debut at Taverna Rossa. Join us for hot, wood-fire pizza and Tex-Italian cuisine while jamming-out to blues!
Saturday June 23rd • 9:00pm
Come check out the Buzz Andrews band at Taverna Rossa! Buzz has been doing his thing throughout the US since 1963! Rock and Roll is definitely in his blood and the blues are what soothes his soul.
Come on down and ‘Get Buzzed’!
Wednesday June 27th • 6:30pm
We’re bringing our favorite beer dinner back for a second round, including the same delicious and highly demanded menu. Get ready for a classic, 5-course menu with an elegant twist featuring some of Cedar Creek Brewery‘s very approachable and light craft beers. Seats are $65++. Limited seats available. Contact Kristin to reserve your seat today!
Kristin Wisniewski: kristin@33restaurants.com, (817) 637 9162
Wednesday June 27th • 11:00am
Thursday June 28th • 6:30pm
Friday June 29th • 9:00pm
Devin Leigh Music is a Fort Worth, TX based singer/songwriter/guitarist. He’s a true one-man-band, incorporating percussion and harmonica into an already dynamic solo show. The Fort Worth Weekly said of Devin’s live show, “The singer songwriter is a one man wrecking crew at live performances.”
Friday June 29th • 9:30pm
David Coté Band is an accomplished Dallas-based guitarist and singer-songwriter. With guitar chops, composition and vocal talent, David produces music that is honest, powerful and engaging. David spent time studying at the Berklee College of Music and has dedicated 20 years of hard work perfecting his craft.
We’re excited to be hosting him for his debut at Taverna Rossa – Southlake.
Saturday June 30th • 9:00pm
Saturday June 30th • 9:30pm
Velvet Love Box features three veteran musicians from the North Texas area: percussionist/vocalist Brandon Bumpas, guitarist/vocalist Scot Cloud, and vocalist/bassist Neil Schnell. The band formed at Bronco’s Sports Bar in 1997, where they still perform every Thursday night, and over the past fifteen years they have continued to blur the line between “cover” and “original”, creating a niche for themselves. In early 2002 VLB recorded their first EP, “Pilot,” for Texas indie label Aaron Ave. Records. In 2004, 2005, 2007 and 2008 Velvet Love Box was voted Best Cover Band by the readers of Fort Worth Weekly!
Wednesday July 4th • 11:00am
Both locations will be closed for a 33 Restaurant Group Family Picnic and Soccer Tournament in order to celebrate the holiday. We apologize for the inconvenience. Have a happy and safe Fourth of July!
Friday July 6th • 9:00pm
Jenna has been a local Texan for the last four years with her roots starting in central Florida. Stemming from an eclectic mix of many influences, she has a unique sound drawing mostly from blues, jazz, soul, and country.
Friday July 6th • 9:30pm
You can expect Classic Rock…you can expect funk…you can even expect some Top 40’s! Mark Sena & Friends is going to pack a show full of your favorites. Come for craft pizza and beer, stay for band!
Mark Sena has been playing music for many years but had put that love aside for 30 years to raise his 4 children and his wife. His love for entertaining grabbed hold of him again about 10 years ago when he decided to get back into performing for live audiences. Mark has several different Bands and Music. His band, Mark Sena and Friends is a mixture of Blues, Rock, and Original music he performs as guitar/vocalist along with local guitar greats like Jackie Don Loe, Joey Love, Mike Clark, and Texas Slim, along with Bill Cornish/Chuck Rasco on Bass, and Kevin Schermerhorn/Jimmy Morgan on Drums. Mark also performs with his band, Mark Sena’s Funk Machine, featuring Jackie Done Loe, Tommy Hill, and Bill Cornish to bring to you the Motown Sound, Original Songs, and many cool old classics. Mark Sena also performs acoustic duo with such players as Jackie Don Loe, Roger Escabedo, and Joey Love. Come out to see one of these high energy shows. You are sure to have a good time.
Saturday July 7th • 9:30pm
From her early days as a Gospel singer to her legendary status as a Texas Diva, Maylee Thomas transcends genres, mixing Gospel-based blues with soul driven rock, touches of pop, with the very faintest caresses of country from time to time… and audiences respond. Maylee is the soul of Texas and a must see act.
If you’re looking for a relaxing weekend kick-off place, join us for Maylee’s return. We will be serving up hot, rustic thin-crust pizza and cold drafts to go with Maylee’s fantastic sound.
Saturday July 7th • 9:00pm
Fort Worth’s Joe Savage opened in grand, storytelling style. When singing his songs on stage, Joe is one of those bigger than life personalities. Off stage, he is real and not overly impressed with himself. The man has talent and knows how to entertain.
Friday July 13th • 9:30pm
MOJO FILTER is a Beatles Cover band presents a full tribute show, which includes the familiar outfits that the Beatles wore during their live performance years, as well as replicating the music note for note, using period correct instruments, including Rickenbacker and Gretsch guitars, Hofner basses, Ludwig Drums and Vox amplifiers. This truly is a band you don’t want to miss!
Join us at Taverna Rossa for MOJO FILTER’s return. We’ve got the best thin-crust pizza in North Texas, cold beer on tap, and fresh artists.
Saturday July 14th • 9:00pm
Zuriel has developed an innovative electric violin looping performance act of original compositions and freshly reimagined pop tunes. He also composed for, produced, engineered, and played all the instruments on his 2017 debut solo instrumental album, The Tao Less Traveled, an original, emotive blend of rock, new age, and cinematic soundscapes. Currently Zuriel is promoting the new record and continues to perform, record, and tour as a solo artist and with other exceptional local and regional acts.
Join us for Zuriel’s debut. You’re in for an entertaining one man show and the best Tex-Italian in North Texas!
Thursday July 26th • 5:30pm
Mix and mingle with the best bartender: Stephen Halpin. Named People’s Choice Best Bartender in Dallas, Stephen’s impressive resume spans the globe, from his native Ireland to New Zealand. He loves incorporating new elements into classic cocktails and getting to see guests experience those flavors for the first time. His signature cocktail is the Smoked Mangonada Margarita. Spend your Thursday with Stephen and a refreshing, handcrafted Patron cocktail of your own!
