DINING FEATURE Armend’s Pizza and Pasta Second-generation Italian eatery in Southlake has been serving the community since 1994 S am Seji opened an Italian restaurant in Southlake in 1994, and he named it They serve 14 types of pizzas as well as a build-your-own option. They also have pasta, veal, chicken and seafood dishes. Armend said he created the recipe for the Cajun salmon dish as well as a few others. BY KAREN CHANEY
Armend Seji took over ownership of Armend’s Pizza and Pasta in 2016. His father, Sam Seji, opened the business in Southlake in 1994. (Photos by Karen Chaney/Community Impact)
Armend’s Italian Restaurant after his oldest son, Armend Seji. Over the ensuing 28 years the business has undergone several changes, yet it has remained the same in many ways. In February 2000, the family moved from their original Southlake spot to the location on East Southlake Boulevard. When Sam opened the doors at the new location, he changed the name to Armend’s Pizza and Pasta. “My dad realized Southlake was becoming more of a family-friendly community, so when we moved here he made it more casual,” Armend said. On Jan. 1, 2016,
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Armend said he treats his customers as he was raised to do. He mentioned an elderly customer who comes in on a regular basis with a group of retirees. This customer uses a walker, so whenever Armend sees him pull into the parking lot, he helps him inside. The customer’s daughter wrote of the kindness Armend and the sta shows her dad, on social media. “That was real touching,” he said. “I’m not the type of person who cries, but that made me cry.” Armend said he born, get married and have kids,” he said. “I see multiple generations, and we try to make everyone feel like family here.” Armend said he and his sta know most of their customers by name, and many enjoy the BYOB policy. “It makes me happy when they say this is the best pizza, but when you tell me you love coming here, bringing your family here, … nothing makes me happier than that,” he said. “I’m creating happiness for you.” has known many of his customers since he was a boy. “I’ve seen kids be
1 Cajun salmon ($26.99) is fresh Atlantic salmon in Cajun cream sauce, served with pasta or steamed veggies. 2 Penne pasta alla Vodka ($15.99) penne pasta with marinara, cream and vodka. 3 Italian special pizza ($18.99 large) includes pepperoni, sausage, Canadian bacon, mushrooms, green peppers, onions and black olives.
1 Cajun salmon
Armend, who worked at the restaurant since he was 14 years old, took over owner- ship of the family business. “One day, … my dad said, ‘Let’s go have co ee,’”
“ ... WE TRY TO MAKE EVERYONE FEEL LIKE FAMILY HERE.” ARMEND SEJI, OWNER
2 Penne pasta alla Vodka
3 Italian special pizza
Armend said. “We were talking, and he said, ‘In six months, I’m done; it’s yours. Keep it, sell it, close it—it’s yours.’ My name is on the building; it’s all I know. What was I going to do?” Armend said all menu items are made from scratch, and the majority are Sam’s recipes. He said everyday they make their own tomato sauce using San Marzano tomatoes because “quality is key.”
Armend’s Pizza and Pasta 2315 E. Southlake Blvd., Ste. 101, Southlake 817-251-0270 https://armendspizza.com Hours: Mon. closed, Tue.-Thu. 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Fri.-Sat. 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
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GRAPEVINE COLLEYVILLE SOUTHLAKE EDITION • MAY 2023
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