Oliva Italian Eatery, a neighborhood restaurant near Timber Creek High School in north Fort Worth, welcomed new owners in mid-October.
The details
Steven Hudson and Joseph Borchardt took over the company Oct. 19, according to an announcement on social media.
Hudson said he’s excited to carry on the legacy of upscale service in a casual atmosphere, where “the quality of cuisine is just as important as the service quality.”
Oliva serves traditional Italian staples, including salads, chicken dishes, beef plates and a variety of pastas. It also has limited-time specials, like a smoked brisket risotto that recently came off the menu after two weeks.
The restaurant also offers catering services.
“Our marinara sauce is absolutely delicious,” Hudson said. “It’s one of my favorites, and I’ve heard some guests already raving about it and making sure that I’m not changing anything, and I’m not.”
The backstory
Cynthia and Justin Loeb opened the eatery in 2010 after moving to Texas from New York City, according to previous reporting.
Like the Loebs, Hudson also has years of experience in the restaurant industry and said he always dreamed of being a business owner.
What’s next
Hudson said he wants to stay true to the restaurant's roots and continue to enhance Oliva’s culture, menu and legacy. He said the restaurant’s aesthetic is the only thing that may see a notable refresh and modernization.
“The last 15 years I spent with a design steakhouse where we had an upscale dining experience with fine dining touches," Hudson said. "I see that here, and I want to keep that going."
Hudson already met many of the regulars during as the Loebs began to transition out of their ownership roles.
Justin Loeb will continue to be involved with the the couple’s second eatery, Elote Mexican Kitchen, while Cynthia Loeb begins work with luxury travel agency Civilized Adventures.
