Prepare For An Explosion Of New Pizza Places In Fort Worth

Who knew that pizza would become the next big thing in Fort Worth? Seriously, who had pizza on their bingo card? With the arrival of three new pizza restaurants soon, we’ll have plenty of new options to try all over town, from Artisan Circle, to Left Bank, and South Main Village.

Artisan Circle Will Add A True Neapolitan Powerhouse ― Partenope Ristorante

Artisan Circle’s most recent rebrand (formerly Crockett Row, formerly simply West 7^th) includes a push by its new owners Younger Partners to shift the district away from its rowdy night life image. Things are looking up with more security and refreshed spaces.

First came a slew of vacancies, then the good stuff has been slowly added back. Most notably, the owners of Terra Mediterranean came back to Fort Worth and brought a new concept, La Cabrona, with it.

A big-deal Neapolitan pizzeria is coming to town. Partenope Ristorante will open in the former Fireside Pies space, at 2949 Crockett Street. Another Dallas favorite, Si Tapas landed there briefly but didn’t last.

Partenope Ristorante will open its first Tarrant County outpost. They currently run two other locations, one in downtown Dallas and the other in Richardson. Both have garnered plenty of buzz. Partenope ranks No. 12 in the US on one prominent list.

Owners Dino and Megan Santonicola mean business. Partenope is the original name for Naples, Italy, where master pizzaiolo Dino Santonicola was born. Fort Worth currently only has one other true Neapolitan style pizzerias, Cane Rosso on Magnolia. For the uninitiated, this is the style you’ll find all over Europe (not just Italy), soft crust, wood-fired, fork and knife required.

The first two locations are very attractive, with warm woods and pops of navy blue. The menu includes a full array of Italian splendor including fried calamari, prosciutto with melon, plus a collection of fresh pastas, and the Lasagna Napoletana only available on Friday and Saturday nights.

Left Bank Welcomes Cult Favorite Mister O1 Pizzeria

Mister O1 is certainly in growth mode. The popular pizzeria is making some bold moves lately. After its recent opening in Fort Worth’s Alliance area, its first location inside the loop will open at 628 Harrold St. Suite 100 in Fort Worth’s Left Bank. That’s at the endcap with a view of Snooze A.M. Eatery across the parking lot.

The burgeoning brand was launched in Florida, by another southern Italian transplant. Chef Renato Viola arrived in Miami Beach under the O1 Visa category ― hence the name. In Florida there are currently 18 locations across the state with four more coming soon. In Texas their footprint is quietly taking over Tarrant County with the newest location in Alliance, plus Mansfield, Grapevine, and Flower Mound, and another in Dallas. There are already two location in Georgia as well as one international franchise location in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Mister 01 is famous for it naturally fermented dough (between 72 and 96 hours). Fans love its star-shaped specialty pizzas with quality ingredients, and even a fresh burrata bar.

The Heim’s Hold The Keys to the Former Hot Box Location in South Main Village

After taking an early “retirement” from the restaurant business last year to spend more time with their young family, officially turning over the reins of their Heim BBQ empire to their business partners, founders Travis and Emma Heim just couldn’t help themselves. Like Michael Corleone once said in The Godfather, “Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in.”

Emma Heim posted that pizza has been a “secret passion” and when South Main Village’s Hot Box Biscuit Club vacated one of the coolest buildings on the street, when it closed earlier this year, it seemed like a sign.

The Heim’s posted pics on Wednesday holding the keys to the snug location 313 South Main Street.

It will be called One Trick Pony. When the Heim’s spoke to CultureMap they categorized the style of pizza as crunchy tavern style pizza. The inventers of bacon burnt ends (now a must-have one every barbecue menu) certainly have us intrigued.

“We’re extremely excited and honored to be able to share a new Heim Hospitality concept,” they said in a personal Facebook post. “We’ve been patiently waiting to announce a new venture that has us ready to show our love in a new way. Pizza parties and martinis will be ready for you at 313 South Main Street in Fort Worth, Texas as soon as we can get the doors open.”

Buckle up pizza lovers, Fort Worth’s pizza game is on the rise.