Piada Italian Street Food: A New Concept in South Tyler

Piada Italian Street Food will debut its first East Texas location in Tyler, Texas in early 2017.

The 2,416-square-foot fast casual restaurant, located off Highway 69 S, across from Faulkner Park at 8942 S. Broadway Ave., Ste. #140, will be Piada’s first in East Texas, and the seventh Texas-wide. The Tyler location will seat 60 guests comfortably inside the restaurant and will feature light-filled interiors and modern, European-inspired décor with design elements including warm-stained concrete floors, crisp LED lighting, and handmade white oak furniture, plus Carrara marble, brushed aluminum, painted brick, and subway tile accents. Piada CEO Chris Doody is thrilled to be opening his first restaurant in east Texas. “We’re excited to bring a fresh, modern Italian concept to the fast-growing community of Tyler, a major east Texas hub,” said Doody. “We invite Tyler area residents to sign up for a special VIP sneak peek of the restaurant ahead of its official opening.”

In addition, the namesake Piada is a thin crust, handmade dough, which is baked on a stone grill, filled with specialty items and then rolled as guests watch the entire process. Guests can enjoy other entrees including pasta bowls and chopped salads. Each is comprised of a grill item, cheese, and vegetables. Diners can choose from three signatures per category, such as the Chef’s Favorite Piada with spicy Diavolo sauce, romaine, sweet and spicy peppers, mozzarella, and shaved and creamy parmesan, basil pesto pasta with parmesan Alfredo, sundried tomatoes, and freshly grated parmesan, as well as the balsamic salad with spinach, shaved napa and red cabbage, feta, bruschetta tomatoes, red onions, spiced pecans, Granny Smith apples, and balsamic dressing – all customizable with an added protein. Grill selections range from all-natural rosemary, garlic, and lemon chicken to spicy Italian sausage with fennel and herbs, and salmon prepared with lemon and olive oil, while toppings span artichokes to black olives.

The made-to-order menu also features seasonal specials. Try the Fall Steak Avocado Piada, which is hand-rolled with grilled steak, arugula, pancetta, avocado, fresh mozzarella, spicy balsamic aioli, pepitas, and roasted butternut squash, or the Harvest Grain and Apple Salad with crispy chicken fritte, mixed field greens, crumbled feta, Granny Smith apples, pepitas, and the Harvest Grain Seasonal Side with dried cranberries, spiced pecans, and roasted butternut squash tossed with lemon basil dressing.

Entrees are complemented by sides including tomato basil and lobster bisque soups, two kinds of hand-rolled breadsticks – Parmigiano-Reggiano and pepperoni served with a creamy parmesan dipping sauce – and decadent Cannoli Chips dessert incorporating crispy, rolled Italian cookies lightly tossed in powdered sugar and accompanied by chocolate chip cream icing. Beverage service showcases Italian sodas and teas alongside Acqua Panna and San Pellegrino waters. A kid’s menu is also available.

Piada Italian Street Food began as an idea scribbled on a napkin during a visit to Rimini, Italy. Their Chefs found “distinct charm in the family operated food carts and corner markets scattered throughout the streets of the city where the aroma of fresh basil, hand-crafted cured meats, and homemade cheeses saturated the air. This trip began their obsession…inspiration…mission to bring this experience back to the United States.”

They opened the first Piada restaurant in 2010 with a mission to create fresh, modern Italian food focused on the preparation of high quality ingredients and attention to simplistic cooking. Today’s consumers are looking for healthier, better quality food with convenient, fast delivery to accommodate their hectic lifestyles. Piada was created with the belief that you don’t have to sacrifice quality and flavor for speed and value.

Service will be provided continuously 10:45am-10pm seven days a week, and catering will also be available. For more info and to sign up for a chance to attend Piada’s Tyler Pre-Opening VIP week, go to mypiada.com/tyler. You can also like Piada on Facebook @piadaitalianstreetfood, follow on Twitter @mypiada, and Instagram @piadaitalianstreetfood.