Businessman Transitions from Pizza to Pasta in Oliveto’s Restaurant Venture
After 32 years in the pizza business, longtime Moore resident Mike Sikes went after his dream to own and operate a restaurant of his own.
“I’d always worked in the restaurant business, and I’d always wanted to open a restaurant in the town where I live,” Sikes said.
Rather than start from scratch with a new concept, Sikes decided to pursue a franchise opportunity. While researching his options, Sikes said he repeatedly was drawn back to Oliveto’s Italian Bistro, which originated in Tulsa.
He and his business partner began the journey to opening their own Oliveto’s Italian Bistro at 1301 S Interstate 35 Service Road, in Moore’s prime dining and entertainment district near the Warren Theater.
Construction of the restaurant was nearing its completion in 2013, and the team was preparing for opening day when the May 20, 2013 tornado ripped through the area, damaging everything in its path, including Oliveto’s.
Like so many of the businesses and residents affected by the disaster, the Oliveto’s team refused to let the devastation stop them. Just one month later, Oliveto’s opened its doors and served its first patrons.
Now, after six years in business, Sikes’ intuition, drive and hard work seem to be paying off.
“Business is good,” Sikes said before pausing to check-in with a diner about their experience.
Oliveto’s menu is full of modern, artisan-inspired cuisine, including pastas, paninis, woodstone baked entrees and pizzas, as well as an extensive wine list, house-made peach bellinis and specialty cocktails.
But it’s the rigatoni rustica, citrus cedar plank salmon, roasted rosemary chicken and jalapeno risotto that steal the show, said Emily Lynch, who began her career with Oliveto’s in Moore as a hostess at the age of 16. She has worked her way up to restaurant manager over the last six years.
Oliveto’s also caters to diners with dietary restrictions by serving a highly customizable menu, featuring several gluten free options. The knowledgeable staff can also help diners adjust their orders to fit vegetarian and vegan dietary restrictions.
The next step in the development of the restaurant’s customizable menu is to make it adaptable for diners following Keto restrictions, Lynch said.
Oliveto is a casual dining establishment, but the team can provide a variety of dining experiences.
“I think that’s something that makes this restaurant unique,” Lynch said. “The atmosphere is pretty laid back, but extremely welcoming and warm. And if you want to go to a movie, we can get you in and out in 30 minutes. Or if you want to enjoy a long meal with a few courses and bottles of wine, we can cater to that, too. It’s the best of both worlds for people.”
For more information about Oliveto’s menu and catering options, visit www.olivetobistro.com.– BSM