Our Story

Neim — known to everyone as "Nino" — grew up in Ohrid, a small lakeside town in Macedonia. He was the middle child: two brothers, one sister, and a father who lost both arms as a child during World War II. Despite the hardship, the family never stopped pushing forward.

As a kid, Nino worked hard, swam in the crystal-clear lakes, and played soccer with his brothers. But he always dreamed of something bigger — something beyond the borders of his small town.

At just 16 years old, Nino made the decision that would change everything. He left Macedonia and came to America alone. No English. No connections. No safety net. Just faith in the opportunity this country promised.

Nino landed in Dallas, Texas, where his uncle gave him his first job: bussing tables. He didn't complain. He watched. He learned. He worked his way up to server, soaking in every detail about the restaurant business — how the kitchen worked, how customers were treated, what made people come back.

Every shift was a lesson. Every plate he carried was one step closer to his dream.

By the early 90s, Nino was ready. He opened his own place — Nino's Restaurant — and it was an instant hit.

The secret? Fresh ingredients, homemade recipes, and food made with love. Word spread fast. Before long, Dallas Cowboys players became regulars. Nino brought his brothers into the business, building something bigger than himself — a family operation built on trust and hard work.

But Nino wasn't done. Not even close.

Nino handed Nino's Restaurant off to his older brother and opened a smaller pizza shop in Grand Prairie with his younger brother. That's where his four sons grew up — literally in the kitchen, rolling dough and learning the trade alongside their dad.

A true family business in every sense.

In 2015, Nino opened New York Pizzeria in Arlington, leaving the Grand Prairie location to his younger brother. Here in Arlington, the whole family works together — Nino, Mirzat, and their boys.

The business helped put two sons through UTA — giving them opportunities Nino could only dream of as a kid.

The oldest son is now an architect in New York City. The middle one? A computer engineer — and yes, he built this very website you're reading right now.

That's what this is all about. It was never just about pizza. It was about building something that could give the next generation a better shot.