Today we’d like to introduce you to Cynthia and Justin Loeb.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Cynthia and Justin. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
The Olive Branch is a symbol of peace. With this in mind, we have opened a restaurant, Oliva Italian Eatery, in Keller, Texas to share peace, hope, and love with my family.
My husband, Justin, and I moved from New York City to be closer to my parents and siblings. In 2009, my sister gave birth to her second child, Emerson, who was diagnosed with Prader Willi Syndrome, a rare genetic disease. I choose to give up my life as a “City Girl” to be a “Pillar of Support” for my sister and my family. I have dedicated Oliva to sweet little Emerson Lynn.
I grew up in southern Illinois learning service and hospitality under the most influential of teachers – my father. He was not only my school principal by day but also a waiter by night, and as a ‘bus person’ under his tutelage I adopted his uncompromising attention to detail and a steadfast work ethic.
After graduating from Boston College Summa Cum Laude, I took my first management position at Busby’s in New York City. It was a great beginning, but I eventually moved to Switzerland to study the French language and work in a restaurant in Geneva. From there I gained experience in the kitchen as an assistant chef in the village of Hermance. Missing the “front of the house”, I was hired by Azimor Inc, as Director of Operations. In this capacity, I helped the company grow rapidly, opening seven restaurants for the group from 1996 – 2002, while overseeing two existing properties.
Returning to New York, I worked for the acclaimed chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten as general manager of JoJo, his first restaurant. From there I moved to Grapevine, TX, and opened Old Hickory, the steak house of the Gaylord Texan Resort, the largest resort and spa in Texas. I was the company’s first female general manager.
However, I was not finished with New York. The city’s food and wine scene beckoned me, this time on the wholesale side as a sales representative for a French wine company and later in retail as the general manager of a wine shop on the Upper East Side. With a new notch in my belt and much wine knowledge, I returned to the restaurant world to help a dear friend at Allegretti, a Southern French restaurant in the heart of Manhattan. During these years in New York I was hired by Martha Stewart to cater her personal and private events. Ms. Stewart considered me her personal sommelier.
Finally, with an Olive Branch in hand, I am proud to be back in Texas to focus on family and open Oliva, where I will combine all my experiences with food, wine, service, and hospitality to provide you with a memorable dining experience.
Justin comes from a long line of Italian cooks. He cooked with his mother from a young age but decided to procure a degree in engineering and computer science. After years in the tech-world, he found himself managing partner of an extremely busy boutique wine store in New York, New York. He trailed his wife, Cynthia, to Texas as she moved to the area to be near family.
Self-taught, Justin follows his passion and interest in science as it relates to cooking and its underling processes of how simple, fresh ingredients transform into delectable dishes. He has worked extensively with famous New York Chefs Pierre Schaedelin (former Executive Chef of Le Cirque) and Alain Allegretti and has had the honor of working in Martha Stewart’s kitchens in both Bedford, New York and Bar Harbor, Maine.
Justin’s love of culture and travel allows him to explore different gastronomic regions which you will be fortunate to discover as he presents them by the way of a Weekly Feature at the restaurant. Additionally, his extensive knowledge of wine is put to great use as he prepares sell-out Wine Dinners, pairing wine with food from around the world, at Oliva Italian Eatery.
Has it been a smooth road?
The community embraced Oliva and Elote from the beginning. We are thankful for the love and support of our loyal clients, many who have been visiting us since day one! Having family who help in the restaurant also is a great benefit. Smooth Sailing!
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Our focus is excellent food quality and outstanding service all in a comfortable atmosphere. We are known for 5 Star service with a smile.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
We are blessed to be in such a wonderful area that is always looking for something out of the ordinary. Start small and dream BIG! Coming from New York City, I always count my blessings that we opened in the DFW area. The Texans make life easy and are always willing to help. Southern Hospitality with Cosmopolitan Culture.
Pricing:
- Our wine list features 20 wines for $20!
Contact Info:
- Address: 12477 Timberland Blvd.,
Ste 633, Keller, TX 76244 - Website: www.olivaeatery.com
- Phone: 817-337-6999
- Email: oliva@olivaeatery.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/olivaeatery
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/olivaeatery
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/olivaeatery
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/olivaeatery
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
