Pizza News

Pizzeria from Louisiana with many kinds of crust opens in Carrollton

Rotolo's pizza

Photo courtesy of Rotolo's

Pizza is coming to Dallas by way of Louisiana via Rotolo's Craft & Crust, a chain founded in Baton Rouge, which is opening a location in Carrollton, 3204 E. Hebron Pkwy.

Mitch Rotolo opened the first Rotolo's Pizzeria in 1996 near Louisiana State University. The chain now has locations in Louisiana, Texas, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, Colorado, Mississippi, and Florida.

The "Craft and Crust" concept was created in 2016 as a simpler, pared-down concept with open patio, revamped menu, and full bar with beer on tap, two wines, and signature cocktails.

Rotolo’s Craft & Crust will offer the same stone-baked pizzas, pastas, salads, and Italian-inspired dishes served at the original Rotolo's. The goal with the concept was to recapture some of the chain's original grit and honest charm. It's a scratch menu with signature calzones, plus wraps and sandwiches.

There are many pizza varieties including thin crust; thick, crunchy Detroit-style pizza; and Chicago deep-dish style. There are also burgers including a mac & cheese burger, plus a wide selection of shareable bites including spinach-artichoke dip, meatballs, fried cauliflower, dynamite shrimp, and "Boudin dip" featuring caramelized onions, mozzarella, banana peppers, and ranch for dipping.

The new restaurant will feature a patio with an indoor/outdoor bar as well as additional outdoor dining. The bar will focus on Rotolo's signature 30-tap beer bar, including local and national brews.

This is not the first time Rotolo's Craft & Crust has entered the DFW market: A previous franchisee opened locations in Firsco and Lewisville in 2018, but those did not survive the pandemic.

This new location is owned and operated by Meg and Bryan Matus, who also own and operate the Rotolo’s Pizzeria in Tyler. They'll be hosting an opening event on March 24, with giveaways and fanfare.

“We are beyond excited to continue our expansion in Texas and bring Rotolo’s Craft & Crust to Carrollton,” sys founder and CEO Mitch Rotolo.

pizza openings

Food Events You Can Eat At

Irish fun leads the 8 best food and drink events in Dallas this week

J. Gilligan's Bar & Grill/Facebook

J. Gilligan's famous Irish nachos

It's the week before St. Patrick's Day and Dallas is ready to celebrate. From an Irish whiskey mixology class to a St. Patrick's weekend sip-and-stroll, there are plenty of tasty ways to "go green." Start the week with a Pilates class paired with palomas, and a tequila pairing dinner with fresh flavors, cocktails, and a flight.

Tuesday, March 11

Pokey O's Anniversary Party
Dallas-based ice cream shop chain will celebrate its 20th anniversary at its flagship location at 3034 Mockingbird Ln. with $2 ice cream sandwiches, raffles, prizes, an appearance by their mascot, and the official debut of their new Pokey Bowls dessert, featuring custom sundaes served in warm cookie or brownie bowls with ice cream, toppings, a branded wafer, whipped cream, and a cherry. 12-9 pm.

Wednesday, March 12

Pilates & Palomas at Hall Arts Hotel
Pair a mat Pilates class led by Pilates 214 with a mixology lesson on crafting the perfect paloma led by Socorro Tequila. Arrive by 5:30 pm for the 50-minute Pilates class. Tickets are $25.

Thursday, March 13

Patron Tequila Dinner at Cantina Laredo
Frisco location of this Tex-Mex chain will host a four-course tequila pairing dinner. Start with a flight of Patron tequilas upon arrival and enjoy a different Patron cocktail with each course. The menu includes shrimp ceviche tostadas, asparagus soup, choice of redfish or ribeye, and apple crepes with vanilla ice cream & cajeta for dessert. Dinner is $80 plus tax and gratuity, and begins at 7 pm.

Friday, March 14

St. Patrick's Mixology Class with Bushmills at The Exchange Hall
Get ready for St. Patrick’s Day weekend with this hands-on mixology class featuring Bushmills Irish Whiskey. There are two sessions – 7 pm and 9 pm – and class is $40.

Saturday, March 15

McKinney St. Patrick’s Day Beer Walk
Wear green and stroll the square in historic downtown McKinney during this all-day tasting event. The $35 ticket includes a cup and brew, seltzer, and whiskey tastings from more than 20 stops. There are two event session times: 11 am–2:30 pm and 2:30–6 pm.

Paddy at The Village
The entertainment district invites guests to shamrock and roll all day with live music and entertainment, themed cocktails, green beer, and food specials, along with games, giveaways, and pickleball and sand volleyball open play. The party will run from 12–6 pm.

Monday, March 17

46th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Block Party at J. Gilligan’s Bar & Grill
It’s the biggest tradition in downtown Arlington. Visit all day starting at 11 am for the indoor-outdoor party featuring family-friendly activities and live music all day. Don't miss the iconic Irish nachos – natural-cut cottage fries with melted cheddar, bacon, chives, onions, tomatoes and jalapenos. Note that there'll be a $5 cover charge starting at 5 pm.

5th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Pub Party at Harwood Arms
Doors open at 11 am for this all-day party at Harwood Arms. There’ll be live music all day, an Irish bagpiper performance, and food and drink specials. The party will run until 2 am.

holidays cocktails event-planner