The Italian Way

Centrale Italia is the newest expression of a lifelong passion for hospitality, Italian cuisine, and thoughtful dining experiences—created by renowned restaurateur Patrick G. Colombo.

Now open in the heart of Preston Hollow, Centrale Italia offers a warm, modern Italian dining experience built on craftsmanship, quality, and genuine hospitality. From stone-fired Neo-Neapolitan pizzas and house-made pastas to hand-crafted cocktails and an inviting, design-forward space, every detail reflects a commitment to excellence and timeless Italian tradition with a contemporary point of view.

Patrick G. Colombo

President & CEO, Restaurant Works, Inc.

Patrick Colombo is one of the most respected hospitality leaders in the country, with a career spanning more than four decades across fine dining, luxury hotels, and national restaurant development. As President and CEO of Restaurant Works, Inc., founded in 2001, Colombo has grown the company into a multi-concept hospitality group including acclaimed brands such as Princi Italia, CRÚ Food & Wine Bar, and Victory Tavern.

Prior to founding Restaurant Works Inc, Colombo served as Senior Vice President of Food and Beverage Operations for Wyndham International, overseeing operations for nearly 200 full-service hotels and approximately $600 million in annual revenue. Earlier in his career, he spent nine years as Senior Vice President and co-founder of Sfuzzi, Inc., a 21-store national Italian restaurant chain recognized by Restaurant & Business Magazine as one of the fastest-growing restaurant concepts in the United States.

Colombo’s leadership is also deeply rooted in fine dining. From 1982–1986, he served as Executive Director of Food and Beverage Operations at Dallas’ iconic Mansion on Turtle Creek Hotel. During his tenure, the property earned Mobil Five-Star status, Wine Spectator’s Grand Award for Wine Excellence, and Nation’s Restaurant News’ Fine Dining Award as the “Top Restaurant in the Country.” In 1999, he co-founded Nick & Sam’s, now one of Dallas’ most celebrated steakhouse destinations.

Beyond operations, Colombo is widely recognized for his innovative training programs, creative food and beverage development, and unwavering focus on guest experience. His commitment to the industry includes active involvement in leading culinary and hospitality organizations, including the American Beverage Institute, the Confrérie de la Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, L’Ordre Mondial des Gourmets Dégustateurs, the Sommelier Society of America, and the Culinary Institute of America, where he has served as a Trustee.

Centrale Italia represents Colombo’s continued dedication to Italian cuisine—reimagined for today while honoring the traditions that have defined his career.

Executive Chef Matthew Antonovich

Centrale Italia is led by Matthew Antonovich, an award-winning executive chef, restaurateur, and hospitality leader with more than 30 years of experience across luxury hotels, fine dining, and national restaurant development.

As Executive Chef, Antonovich developed and launched Centrale Italia’s modern Italian menu with a focus on authenticity, craftsmanship, and regional inspiration. His culinary vision highlights fresh, handmade pastas such as Carbonara, Tagliatelle Bolognese, and Barolo-glazed Short Rib, along with a full selection of antipasti and stone-fired Neo-Neapolitan pizzas prepared in a Marra Forni oven.

Antonovich’s career includes ownership of acclaimed concepts such as Mozzarella Bar and MOZZ Mozzarella Bar & Enoteca—named Best New Restaurant by Louisville Magazine—as well as consulting and culinary leadership roles with national brands including Logan’s Roadhouse, Bravo Brio Tuscan Grille, Boston Market, Cracker Barrel, and others, influencing menus and operations across hundreds of locations nationwide.

His culinary foundation is deeply rooted in Italy, shaped by immersive sabbaticals at Michelin-starred restaurants including Enoteca Pinchiorri in Florence and Ristorante San Domenico in Imola, as well as specialized seafood training in Rome. A Summa Cum Laude graduate of Johnson & Wales University and a Certified Executive Chef (CEC), Antonovich continues to lead with discipline, creativity, and a deep respect for Italian culinary tradition.

Julian Colombo

Centrale Italia also proudly introduces Julian Colombo, a second-generation restaurateur who joined Restaurant Works, Inc. in 2024 after graduating with a finance degree from the University of Utah’s David Eccles School of Business.

Julian brings a fresh, modern perspective to the brand and is the creative inspiration behind the Centrale Italia logo. His involvement reflects both the continuation of a family legacy and the evolution of the concept for the next generation—blending tradition with thoughtful, contemporary design and branding.

The Space & Experience

Designed in collaboration with Wallace Johnson Studio and White Unicorn Agency, Centrale Italia’s space features tall ceilings, custom arches, intimate booth seating, and a striking floating slatted cloud above the dining room. Warm, layered lighting creates an energetic yet relaxed atmosphere—refined, inviting, and unmistakably Italian.

Located at 7859 Walnut Hill Lane, Suite 150, Centrale Italia is proud to call Preston Hollow home and looks forward to serving the neighborhood with the same passion, hospitality, and attention to detail that define every Patrick Colombo concept.