Today we’d like to introduce you to Raed Alatrash.
Raed, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My journey: From Village Life to Building a Life of Purpose
I was born in 1964 into a large, hardworking family in a small village in the West Bank province. My father Abdulmohsen raised me to be resilient and never to give up on dreams. One of eight children — four girls and four boys — I was raised by parents who valued education above all. Their dedication paid off, as we all went on to earn university degrees.
At 18, I left home to pursue my education in Ukraine, which was then under Soviet control. While my dream was to study in the U.S., it was financially out of reach then. So, I accepted the opportunity to study Environmental Engineering — in Russian — in one of the USSR’s top technical universities.
Life there was tough. I was placed in a dorm room with two older Russian men to force language immersion and cultural adaptation. Coming from a quiet village to a strict communist environment was a shock. But I adjusted, learned the language, accommodated the system, and found common ground with others who were simply trying to survive like I was. In 1988, I graduated proudly, transformed, and determined to keep going.
Returning to the West Bank, I refused to give up on my dream of living and studying in the U.S. I spent years preparing — passing language and technical exams — until I was awarded a prestigious AMIDEAST scholarship. It opened the door to a new life in America.
Life in the USA
Arriving in the United States was life changing. I pursued additional studies, improved my English, and worked in different jobs to support myself and my family, before travelling to the US. I got married, my wife joined me after 6th, there was a role which allowed scholars to apply for family after completing the first semester with a good GPA. I started from scratch — again — and slowly built a life.
I spent 30 months at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, the place of birth of my Son Abdulmohsen, named after my father, I delegated all my time to study; I was committed to returning to West Bank and working on projects enhancing infrastructure in the West Bank. The type of US visa I had, a J1 Visa, requires changing the status outside the US.
Actually December 1992 I had to return to Jerusalem to work as an Environmental Health Engineer in the Ministry of Health, where I had the chance to be quickly promoted to head crafts and industry licensing, I had to face a lot of corruption, when the year 2000 I decided to resign and joined Save the children federation USA funded by USAID as a startup field Engineer. Quickly promoted to head the job creation unit.
In 2005 I changed course and got elected as a Young Mayor of a small city. Since I didn’t have any political affiliation, I had to face many challenges and fight corruption and had to empty the swamp, as a result I had to face so many problems.
In 2006 I joined an Environmental technology company in Saudi Arabia and started as an Environmental engineer, promoted to manage the whole company which completed environmental remediation projects for Saudi Aramco. Those years were our best years, full of success and achievements financially, technically, professional and socially.
In 2016 I traveled back to Dallas Texas to join my son Abdul who is a citizen born in 1992, He traveled in 2010 to study and work in Dallas. He worked with his uncles who successfully owned and operated Palio’s pizza stores.
He was well taken care of and trained in the pizza business. I am very proud of Abdul.
I worked from scratch, and I was able to manage one of the best Palio’s restaurants.
2018 We decided to open our own Pizza restaurant in Sachse, “Mogio’s Sachse”, we did well for one year until the landlord decided not to renew the lease and signed with Domini’s Pizza and we had to relocate in one month to Fire wheel Garland 0.5 miles away, we lost so many customers, we had to work harder to gain back some customers and have more new customers.
Here you go, by the end of 2019 I had to start new Environmental Engineering job in Kuwait, where Kuwait Oil Company is implementing Mega multi billion dollars mega projects, I was lucky to be part of best international engineering team to work fir high end shortlisted Engineering companies, I worked for Worley Parsons as Project Engineer, but this came with my youngest daughter of 6 years old Sara was diagnosed with Diabetes Type 1, this devastated the whole family, specially me since I had to start planning for my travel alone to Kuwait to start my job, leaving family and dearest daughter behind, I was discussing with my family our options, one of which is
Stay with family support my daughter and family going through this tough challenging experience
At the end we as a family decided that I needed to travel and join my job in Kuwait, it was very tough and heartbreaking to leave my kid at a time she needed me.
Any how we were hoping that the family would join in a couple of months.
The COVID Era – A Test of Purpose and Resilience
Then came the COVID-19 pandemic.
Like many small business owners, We faced uncertainty, fear, and sudden closures. But it was also a time of reflection and renewal. With indoor dining restricted, I pivoted: focusing on takeout, supporting frontline workers, and staying connected to the community however I could.
I worked for 18 months in Kuwait. That experience added a valuable layer to my journey. I lived and worked among people from across the Arab world, learned to manage responsibilities in a professional setting, and developed a deeper cross-cultural understanding. It was a steppingstone — financially and emotionally — that helped prepare me for the transition to the U.S.
It was the end of 2019 when rumors circulated about a new coronavirus in China and quickly spread all over the world, I was in Kuwait, my family was in Dallas, oldest daughter was in the West Bank.
As days passed Kuwait decided to take strict measures to combat COVID-19 closed its border stopped airlines
All of that happened as my family, mainly my wife Amani, was taking care of my daughter Sara, she was doing a great job, she learned the whole process of taking care of a Type 1 kid including schooling.
While in Kuwait, I had to go through a tough diet, I couldn’t imagine myself eating sweets while my kid didn’t, I was sad that I cannot come back home carrying candy for Sara. Everything she eats is counted and controlled, Sara is a great smart kid, at a young age she was aware of her dietary needs and sugar control.
Going back to Palio’s pizza at Firewheel, which was managed by son Abdul was under pressure from state and federal requirements and restrictions to contain covid, a lot of restaurants closed their doors permanently, Abdul decided to remain open while complying and taken precautions, since Palio’s Pizza at Firewheel was only store remained open in the mall, we had good number of customers and Palio’s became the destination for pick up delivery catering. In late 2018 also purchased Palio’s pizza in Highland Village, which was suffering, during COVID we remained open, managed to have a good number of customers.
Covid crisis extended for 14 months, limited travel was allowed from and in Kuwait, I was stuck under curfew and strict rules, my family couldn’t join me in Kuwait, In 2021 we decided that I join my family in Dallas, I worked as EHS for CBRE for short term contract within a team to help alleviate covid crisis.
In 2022 I oversaw Palio’s Pizza Highland Village and Palio’s Firewheel.
Going back 2018 when I started Pizza business, I was thinking out of the box, I stated merging technology with restaurant business, I encouraged utilization of online ordering, worked with third party and partnering platforms, I had so many resistance to apply technology, but at the end when no one can work without online ordering, other restaurants started to follow my steps and coy my module and reach for support. I used copy machines, fax machines using laptops in the restaurant industry.
In June 2022 we decided to be part of the cloud kitchen industry which just started in Dallas, I had resistance from friends and family, but my partner Abdul decided to meet the challenge we opened Sara’s Pizza, carrying my daughter’s name and brand. Hoping that in the future Sara’s Pizza will turn into a franchise to support the family and Sara in particular, Sara’s Pizza was different from any other restaurant, it was interesting to explore it
Our customers were mostly corporate companies in downtown Dallas,
In June 2024 we moved Sara’s Pizza to a brick-and-mortar location in Dallas, and so far the store is doing well.
Building a Life and a Business
My passion for food, service, and community led me to open Palio’s Pizza Cafe in Highland Village, Texas. There, I brought together everything I had learned — discipline, hospitality, culture, and heart — to build a restaurant known for quality, warmth, and made-from-scratch food.
Palio’s became more than a business. It became a community space — a place where families gather, friends reconnect, Fundraising companies and charities found safe heaven and supportive place. On the other hand I am still working as part-time environmental consultant . But my great focus in success of our own businesses, my success in pizza buisness is somehow contributed to huge support of Harry Awad Owner and founder of Palio’s Pizza Franchise. Great support from my friend and Son Abdul.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
*A Life Marked by Challenge, Growth, and Resilience*
My journey has been anything but smooth — filled with obstacles that tested me on every level.
I’ve faced serious *financial struggles*, frequent *relocations across countries*, and the constant need to *adapt to new cultures, languages, and values*. These transitions were not just logistical — they were deeply *emotional*, often requiring personal sacrifice and mental strength.
Along the way, I’ve dealt with *family health challenges*, moments of uncertainty, and the unrelenting pressure of *economic and business survival*. Running a business — especially through global and personal crises — has demanded focus, flexibility, and unshakable belief.
Yet, through it all, I’ve learned to stay grounded, resilient, and driven. Every setback became a lesson, every challenge a stepping stone.
This journey has shaped the person and entrepreneur I am today.
We’ve been impressed with Sara’s Pizza , but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Community-Driven Pizza, Built with Purpose
As proud owners and operators of two Palio’s Pizza Cafe locations and Sara’s Pizza, my partner Abdul and I are passionate about delivering more than just great food — we’re building lasting connections through authentic hospitality and service.
While Palio’s Pizza is known for its made-from-scratch Italian and Mediterranean cuisine, Sara’s Pizza is our growing brand, positioned to become a franchise concept that reflects our values: quality, community, and consistency. Our vision is to make Sara’s Pizza a household name rooted in tradition, flavor, and purpose.
Our core business focus is corporate and events catering, but we proudly serve our neighborhoods through pickup, delivery, and dine-in services as well. We operate as an extension of the communities we serve — partnering regularly with local schools, churches, city officials, and nonprofit organizations.
Through fundraising events and charitable partnerships, we’ve had the privilege of being recognized for our commitment to giving back. We truly believe that no business can succeed without the support of its community — and we see it as our responsibility to give back in return.
We invite you to get to know Palio’s Pizza and Sara’s Pizza — not just for the food, but for the values we stand behind. Your support means everything to us.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
1. Resilience Builds Success From a village in West Bank to life under Soviet rule, then to entrepreneurship in the U.S. — you’ve proven that enduring hardship shapes strength and character.
2. Education Opens Doors
Despite limited resources, you and your siblings achieved higher education. Your journey shows that knowledge is a powerful tool for transformation.
3. Adaptability is Essential
Learning new languages, cultures, and systems — in Ukraine, Kuwait, and the U.S. — taught you to adapt and grow through change.
4. Never Give Up on Your Dream
Even when the U.S. seemed out of reach, your determination and preparation earned you a scholarship and brought your dream to life.
5. Success Requires Sacrifice
Long periods away from home, hard jobs, and starting from scratch again and again — your achievements came from persistence and grit.
6. Community Matters
You’ve built a business that serves and gives back. You’ve learned that no success is possible without community support — and it’s your duty to return it.
7. Family is Fuel
Your daughter, Sara, became a source of motivation and pride. Her presence reminds you why you work hard and build for the future.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.paliospizzahighlandvillage.com/, https://www.paliospizzacafegarland.com/, https://www.saraspizzatx.com/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raed-al-atrash-40262643
