However, once they set eyes on the business already sitting among the slate of boutiques, eateries and the historic Williamson County Courthouse on the Georgetown Square, it was clear to them
Roots had already become part of the community.
“I liked the feeling inside of it and the potential of what it could be down the road,” Karim said.
The Alianis had previously owned Paisano’s Trattoria in Georgetown for more than 20 years, but in 2019 they decided to focus on Roots and other ventures. They sold Paisano’s building and equipment, but not the recipes. While many of the dishes would not make the transition to the menu at Roots, the pizza did.
“The pizza we brought with us,” Karim said. “We make our own dough here fresh; we make our own sauces here. Our main focus now, when it comes to food, is our pizza.”
The menu goes beyond pizza, though. With tacos, club sandwiches, burgers and gyros, Roots takes a “little something for everyone” approach, Karim said.
At Roots, customers can grab a beer or glass of wine and enjoy live music. Local bands take the restaurant’s wooden stage Thursday-Saturday. Additionally, Tuesdays are karaoke nights, and Wednesdays are open-mic nights.
“You come in on Tuesday night, there is the mom and dad and kids singing,” Karim said. “On Wednesday when we do open mic, anybody comes in with a guitar; go have at it. Local people just come in and have fun with it.”
The Alianis pride themselves on maintaining a family-friendly atmosphere at Roots.
“When you come during the nights and weekends, there are kids everywhere,” he said. “The mom and pop get a beer, and the kids play around. Roots is part of their culture here in Georgetown. That’s what we’re trying to keep it.”
Pizza pride
When Karim and Jeana Aliani took over ownership of Roots in Georgetown, the couple brought the pizza recipes from their former restaurant. Roots makes its pizza dough and sauce in house. ($11-$25)
- Veggie: basil pesto base, mozzarella, red onions, green and red bell peppers, artichoke hearts, black olives, mushrooms, baby leaf spinach
- BBQ chicken: barbecue sauce base, mozzarella, grilled chicken, red onions, parsleyBig Kahuna: pizza sauce, mozzarella, Canadian bacon, pineapple
- The Baja: extra virgin olive oil, garlic base and pesto, mozzarella, grilled chicken, baby leaf spinach
- Kitchen Sink: pizza sauce, mozzarella, Canadian bacon, pepperoni, sausage, bacon, red onions, bell peppers, artichoke hearts, black olives, mushrooms, baby leaf spinach
- The Texan: pizza sauce, mozzarella, Canadian bacon, pepperoni, sausage, applewood smoked bacon
118 W. 8th St., Ste. 101, Georgetown
512-863-7080
www.rootsonthesquare.com
Hours: Mon. 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Tue-Sat. 11a.m.-11 p.m., Sun. noon-10 p.m.
