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Dear Olivia: A New American Sports Gastropub Coming to Parkland
As a resident and realtor here in Parkland, I am seeing how our community is growing and evolving. One thing we’ve always had in abundance is a family-friendly atmosphere, but when it comes to dining and nightlife options, we’ve often had to venture out of town to find something lively and diverse. Was so excited to read yesterday from the Sun Sentinel that’s about to change with the upcoming opening of Dear Olivia, a new American sports gastropub set to open in Spring 2025 at 7805 N. University Drive, the former location of Deja Blue.
Parkland is known for its tranquil, suburban charm, but that doesn’t mean we don’t want exciting dining experiences right in our own backyard. Enter Dear Olivia, a restaurant designed to bring energy, elevated comfort food, craft cocktails, and even a bit of sports excitement to our peaceful city.
A Bold New Vision for Parkland
Behind this new concept is Paul Greenberg, a well-known name in the local hospitality scene. Paul co-founded American Social in Fort Lauderdale back in 2012, a hotspot that’s been a favorite for locals and visitors alike. After stepping away from the brand in 2024, Paul decided to take his talents and passion for quality dining to a quieter yet growing community — Parkland.
In collaboration with married restaurateurs Eddie and Christina Pozzuoli, Paul is set to transform the former Deja Blue space into something completely new: Dear Olivia, an American gastropub that combines high-end comfort food with the relaxed yet vibrant atmosphere of a sports bar, but with a twist.
For those of us in Parkland who have longed for a place to enjoy great food while catching a game (without having to deal with the usual “sports bar” vibe), Dear Olivia promises to be just what we’ve been waiting for.
Elevated Comfort Food with a Twist
Dear Olivia will offer a menu that’s both familiar and refined. Created by Executive Chef Jeff Turks, the menu will feature American classics like burgers, poke bowls, and Nashville-style chicken sandwiches. But this isn’t your typical gastropub fare. Think prime steaks, fresh seafood, and upscale versions of comfort staples — Waldorf salads and other creative twists on your favorite dishes.
What excites me most is how Dear Olivia takes familiar flavors and elevates them using high-quality ingredients and thoughtful preparation. Whether you’re grabbing a casual lunch with the family or sitting down for a more refined dinner, there’s something for every occasion on the menu.
Craft Cocktails with a Mediterranean Influence
Another standout feature of Dear Olivia will be its cocktail program. Paul Greenberg has been inspired by some of Barcelona’s top cocktail bars, such as Dr. Stravinsky, Sips, and Paradiso, which is reflected in the restaurant’s minimalist approach to mixology. Expect 12 meticulously crafted cocktails, including a smoky Old Fashioned, an expertly prepared Espresso Martini, and a selection of refreshing mocktails. This thoughtfully curated menu will definitely be a great complement to the food, offering something for everyone, whether you’re a cocktail connoisseur or prefer something alcohol-free.
A Space for Every Occasion
The space itself will be a beautiful mix of casual elegance. With 6,400 square feet, including a 122-seat dining room and a 110-seat outdoor patio, Dear Olivia is designed to offer versatility. The interior will feature warm, airy tones of blues, greens, and whites, creating a welcoming atmosphere that’s perfect for families, date nights, or even business dinners. The outdoor patio overlooks a serene manmade lake and fountain, offering a perfect setting for a meal or drinks on a beautiful Florida evening.
It’s also family-friendly, a key consideration in a community like Parkland, where many of us have young children. Paul Greenberg’s vision includes creating an environment where families can enjoy a great meal together, without sacrificing the quality and sophistication that adults love. You’ll still be able to catch a game on one of the many flat-screen TVs throughout the space, but the overall atmosphere will be far from the typical “sports bar” feel.
Why Parkland?
As a realtor, I’ve always believed that Parkland is a community on the rise. We’ve got a lot going for us with our parks, great schools, and family-oriented lifestyle. But when it comes to dining and nightlife, we’ve been missing that middle ground — a place that caters to both families and adults who want to enjoy a great meal, some good drinks, and the excitement of a live sports game.
Paul Greenberg and his team saw this gap and decided it was the perfect time to bring something special to Parkland. With so many families moving into the area and looking for places to dine out, Dear Olivia will be the perfect addition to our community. It’s the kind of spot that Parkland has needed for a while, and it’s great to see a local team of experienced restaurateurs bringing it to life.
Looking Ahead
With an anticipated opening in Spring 2025, Dear Olivia promises to be a game-changer for Parkland’s dining scene. Whether you’re stopping in for a casual lunch, catching a game, enjoying dinner with family, or having a nightcap with friends, Dear Olivia will be the place to be. Stay tuned for more details as we get closer to the opening, and in the meantime, be sure to visit PHospitality.com/dear-olivia for updates.
As a local resident and realtor, I couldn’t be more excited about what Dear Olivia is bringing to Parkland. Our community deserves a place like this, and I have no doubt it will quickly become a favorite for locals and visitors alike. Get ready, Parkland — your new favorite spot to eat, drink, and unwind is on its way!
To stay up-to-date with all the latest happenings in Parkland, be sure to follow Living In Parkland on Instagram and join the Living In Parkland Facebook group. It’s a great way to connect with others and help raise awareness of our beautiful community!
Blog written by Maria Alejandra Rodriguez
Parkland Resident and Real Estate Agent with Coldwell Banker
