Pizzeria Testa Closes its Doors on Greenville Avenue

Pizzeria Testa, the family-friendly Italian restaurant on Dallas’ Greenville Avenue, will serve its last pies on June 29. The restaurant, which has been a staple on the avenue for 7 years, will be closing its doors to make way for a new concept.

A New Chapter for the Space

Restaurant and building owner Rod Schaefer leased the space to Austin Rodgers and Jeff Bekavac, the East Dallas residents who own and operate Goodwin’s and Alamo Club — two other restaurants on Greenville Avenue. Rodgers sold Mayer’s Garden, a bar on Henderson Avenue, in 2023. The new restaurant will be the third venture for Rodgers and Bekavac on Greenville Avenue.

The Reason Behind the Change

Frisco resident Schaefer told The Dallas Morning News he wasn’t planning on making a change at Pizzeria Testa, a restaurant that was profitable. The restaurant was created in honor of Schaefer’s grandparents and parents, who taught him to love “food, friends and family.” However, Rodgers and Bekavac were persuasive, and Schaefer saw an opportunity to pass the torch to new owners who share his passion for the community.

The Vision Lives On

That vision will live on at the original Pizzeria Testa in Frisco, which launched in 2012. It will remain open, serving the same delicious pizzas and Italian dishes that customers have grown to love. The Frisco location will continue to be a family-friendly spot, where friends and family can gather to enjoy good food and company.

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A New Concept for East Dallas

So why make the change in Dallas? Rodgers and Bekavac were the right people at the right time, with a concept that aligns with the community. “If we did this,” Schaefer said, “it was going to have to be with somebody who loved the community — and lived in the community as well." Rodgers has lived on Greenville Avenue for nearly 14 years and Bekavac is a Lake Highlands resident. Their American restaurant Goodwin’s has been a popular addition to East Dallas since it opened in mid-2024.

What’s Next for the Space?

Rodgers and Bekavac had been eyeing Pizzeria Testa — or the space next door, where Blue Fish has vacated — to open their third Greenville Avenue restaurant. Schaefer owns the building that houses both restaurants. “I drive by it every single day,” Rodgers said of the 3500 block of Greenville Avenue, across from the Granada Theater. Their coming-soon restaurant will not be similar in menu to Goodwin’s. The two chose not to share more details for now.

A Perfect Fit

They were drawn to the pizza restaurant because it has room for large parties of 15 people or more, which Goodwin’s lacks. Even Schaefer, who is sad to see Testa go, is excited by Rodgers and Bekavac’s vision in East Dallas. “We are handing off the baton,” Schaefer said. “Jeff and Austin’s passion and heart for the concept became infectious to me.”

Conclusion

Pizzeria Testa may be closing its doors, but the space will be filled with a new concept that promises to bring something exciting to the community. Rodgers and Bekavac are the perfect fit to take over the space, with their passion for the community and their experience in the restaurant industry. While it’s sad to see Pizzeria Testa go, the future looks bright for the space and the community.

FAQs

Q: When will Pizzeria Testa close its doors?
A: Pizzeria Testa will serve its last pies on June 29.
Q: What will happen to the space after Pizzeria Testa closes?
A: The space will be leased to Austin Rodgers and Jeff Bekavac, who will open a new restaurant concept.
Q: Will the original Pizzeria Testa in Frisco remain open?
A: Yes, the original Pizzeria Testa in Frisco will remain open, serving the same delicious pizzas and Italian dishes.
Q: What can we expect from the new restaurant concept?
A: The new restaurant concept will not be similar in menu to Goodwin’s, but details have not been shared yet.
Q: Why did Rod Schaefer decide to lease the space to Rodgers and Bekavac?
A: Schaefer saw an opportunity to pass the torch to new owners who share his passion for the community and have a concept that aligns with the community.