One Arts Plaza Closure

The Greek is latest restaurant to fail at One Arts Plaza

Count The Greek as the latest failure at One Arts Plaza: The Mediterranean eatery shut down on March 14.

The restaurant was owned by Costa Arabatzis and Mary Cloutier-Arabatzis, who also own Ziziki's. Speaking on behalf of One Arts Plaza owner Billingsley Company, Lucy Burns called The Greek a "wonderful restaurant and great team."

Just not wonderful enough to endure a space that has already seen two other restaurants come and go. The space started out as Dali Wine Bar, which lasted two years before owner Paul Pinnell was sent packing. That was followed by chef John Tesar's excellent burger joint The Commissary, which lasted a year.

The Greek did well enough at lunch, but dinner business was painfully slow, unless there were events in the Arts District. The place also had a greasy smell, as if the kitchen weren't cleaned nightly.

The shuttering was so abrupt that staffers at the sibling restaurant Ziziki's in North Dallas were unaware on Saturday that The Greek had closed. Employees of The Greek were not told of the closure ahead of time. At dinner on March 12, a server hinted that change was in the air, sharing that he'd heard a new chef was being considered for a possible conversion to a seafood restaurant.

One Arts Plaza still counts Tei An, Jorge's Tex-Mex and Fedora among the living, while the former Cafe Des Artistes/Screen Door space remains dead.

"We are looking forward to announcing a few new exciting concepts," Burns said. "Some are new to Dallas and others new concepts from established local operators."

One Arts Plaza spokesman Hamilton Sneed was unable to elaborate on the details of the closure, other than to say it was "a decision mutually made." When asked why the closure took place Friday night, he said "I cannot comment on that."

As for details of the coming-soon concept, he said, "I can't comment on that until I'm able to do so," and said that "several new concepts would be coming in the next couple of weeks to replace those restaurants that have closed."

unspecified

Fro Yo News

Healthy dual restaurant serving smoothies and froyo to open in Prosper

Red Mango

Smoothies and frozen yogurt are coming to Prosper with two restaurants in one: Smoothie Factory + Kitchen and co-branded Red Mango will open at 1470 W. Frontier Pkwy. #102, on May 17.

On the Smoothie Kitchen side, they'll serve smoothies, juices, fruit power bowls, toasts, and grilled sandwich folds.

On the Red Mango side, they'll serve frozen yogurt with a self-serve model featuring four flavors, two additional swirl combinations, and 13 toppings.

Smoothie Factory was founded in the 1980s; Red Mango was founded in Dallas in 2007 had has 60 locations in the U.S. and internationally. The concepts are siblings — both part of the franchise portfolio of Dallas-based franchising company Brix Holdings, LLC.

Bringing the concept to Prosper are franchisees Lanford and Chianna Rodgers. Lanford is a former Illinois state trooper and independent insurance business owner, and Chiana is a financial advisor.

Together, they’re looking to offer a healthy and welcoming experience to a growing city.

“My professional career has changed over the years, but the one thing that unifies my experience is my purpose to help, support and build a community with new people,” says Chianna. “As I begin my journey as a small business owner and we open our doors to the Prosper community, I’m dedicated to leading a team that feels supported and is passionate about serving high-quality products and creating an unforgettable customer experience.”

Customers who show up on opening day can expect promotions, giveaways, prizes, and activities.

”The opening of the new Smoothie Factory + Kitchen and Red Mango location is one of many of our continuous efforts to provide better-for-you options to our guests by increasing access to healthy and delicious options in our communities,” says BRIX Holdings CEO Sherif Mityas in a statement. “Lanford is a passionate and dedicated owner with a team ready to make a positive impact and change the lives of their guests with fresh food, quality service, and a seamless customer experience. I’m confident that this location will be a Prosper neighborhood staple.”

openings ice cream desserts