By Sabrina Shaw, Allways Realty Group — brokered by eXp Realty
7–9 minute read

If you’re weighing a move to Tulsa, Oklahoma—or you already live here and simply love it—you’ll enjoy seeing the city through the eyes of Jim Bausch, the co‑founder of Andolini’s, a household name in our local food scene. Jim’s story spans Owasso’s Stone Canyon, Cherry Street, the Blue Dome District, and community moments big enough to set a Guinness World Record—all while raising a family and building businesses that have helped shape Tulsa’s culinary identity.

Meet Jim: From Coasts to the Heart of Green Country

Before Tulsa, Jim worked for a company owned by longtime civic leaders. After multiple invites to relocate, he finally visited—and fell in love with Tulsa’s vibe. He moved in the early 2000s, later using a corporate bonus to launch a dream with his brother: open a pizzeria together. Family restaurant roots, Marine Corps grit, and a love of community laid the foundation for what became one of Tulsa’s favorite brands.

“Tulsa felt like a healthy balance of New York, San Francisco, and Austin—right away.”

From a Strip Mall in Owasso to a Cherry Street Staple

Andolini’s opened in 2004 in Owasso and later expanded to Cherry Street (around 2009–10)—a bold move at the time. That Cherry Street location helped fuel growth. Today the Andolini’s family includes multiple pizzerias, a food truck, and several sister concepts across Tulsa (including Mother Road Market and the Blue Dome area), plus a presence at the airport—showing how homegrown ideas thrive here.

Tulsa’s Food Scene: “Tulsa Style” and Tableside Theater

Jim champions what he calls “Tulsa style” pizza—long‑aged dough that bakes up crispy and chewy—and an obsession with premium ingredients (think Italian tomatoes, olive oil, and cheese wheels). His team’s fine‑dining Italian concept on Cherry Street is known for tableside experiences like:

• Alfredo finished in a Parmigiano Reggiano wheel (with a quick brandy flame to warm the cheese’s surface)
• Fresh mozzarella made at the table—what Jim calls a “biblical” level experience because it’s served seconds after it’s formed

He also gives kudos to fellow Tulsa restaurateurs, noting a collegial food community that shares team members, ideas, and support. It’s one reason visitors are often surprised by how strong the Tulsa restaurant scene is—from nationally recognized concepts to beloved local groups.

Family‑Friendly Tulsa: Parks, Museums & Easy Commutes

Jim raised his kids here and says there’s nowhere he’d rather do it. With a five‑year‑old at home, his family enjoys:

• Gathering Place for playgrounds and trails
• Neighborhood parks, splash pads, and pools
• The Tulsa Zoo and air & space museum

If you’re considering the suburbs, Owasso offers highly regarded schools and quick drives to Tulsa: Jim notes ~15 minutes to downtown and about 12 minutes from Stone Canyon to 15th & Cherry—a huge quality‑of‑life win for busy families.

Neighborhoods He Loves (and Why)

• Owasso (Stone Canyon): A master‑planned community with lakes, trails, and active lifestyles baked in.
• Maple Ridge (mid‑town Tulsa): Historic charm near Riverside, Gathering Place, and Cherry Street.
• Blue Dome District & Cherry Street: Dining, nightlife, and walkability.
• Jenks, Bixby & Broken Arrow: Popular suburbs with strong schools, newer homes, and great park systems.

Thinking about “best fit” neighborhoods? Our team will align your lifestyle, commute, schools, and budget with the right micro‑areas—block by block.

Real Talk: A Few Cons to Weigh—Like Any City

• Premium ingredients & logistics: Top‑tier seafood and imported items can be harder to source consistently (chefs feel this more than consumers).
• Downtown livability concerns: Like many mid‑size metros, Tulsa is actively working on homelessness and behavioral‑health challenges downtown.
• Property crime: Residents and business owners would like to see stronger deterrence in certain pockets.

Balanced against those realities: cost of living, schools, parks, and community spirit continue to be major reasons families choose Tulsa.

Community Impact: A Guinness World Record (and a Big Heart)

Jim’s brother helped organize a Guinness World Record pizza party—thousands of pizzas in a single event—as a fundraiser for the Make‑A‑Wish Foundation. With support from The University of Tulsa, the community raised $45,000, which TU matched—a classic example of how Tulsa rallies for good.

Thinking About Moving to Tulsa?

If this sounds like the life you want—great food, strong schools, easy commutes, and neighbors who show up—let’s map your move.

Next steps:

• Download: The Tulsa Relocation Guide (schools, commute maps, cost‑of‑living, neighborhood matchups)
• Tour: Book a private neighborhood tour (Owasso, Jenks, Bixby, Broken Arrow, Midtown)
• Plan: 20‑minute Move Strategy Call with Sabrina Shaw to align timeline, budget, and financing

Allways Realty Group 🩵 | Relationship‑first. Hyper‑local. Results you can trust.

FAQ: Living in Tulsa & Owasso

Is Tulsa a good place to raise a family?
Jim’s take—and ours—is yes: great parks (like Gathering Place), active neighborhoods, strong schools, and manageable commutes.

How long is the commute from Owasso to Tulsa?
From Stone Canyon, it’s roughly ~15 minutes to downtown and ~12 minutes to Cherry Street (traffic/weather permitting).

What’s special about Stone Canyon in Owasso?
It’s a master‑planned community with lakes, trails, and new‑construction opportunities—ideal for active lifestyles.

Which Tulsa neighborhoods are most walkable for restaurants?
Cherry Street and the Blue Dome District top the list, with Maple Ridge nearby for historic homes and park access.

Where should we eat first?
You can’t go wrong with Andolini’s for “Tulsa style” pizza—and save room for a tableside mozzarella experience at their Cherry Street fine‑dining concept.