Bye Bye Bonchon

Bonchon Chicken Dallas gives Greenville Avenue the bird

No more fried chicken for you.

Photo courtesy of Bonchon

Time to go get you some chicken. The Dallas branch of international chicken chain Bonchon Chicken is closing, possibly as soon as July 26 but definitely "within two weeks," confirmed the company's franchise division in New York.

According to a manager at the restaurant, the location will be reconcepted into a more traditional restaurant called Ashwood, which he described as a "bar and burger joint," with wings and salads.

Founded in Korea, Bonchon is noted for its unique chicken, available in wings and tenders, with a sweet caramelized crust. It also serves a respectable assortment of craft beers, which is unique at a chicken joint.

It opened its first U.S. branch in New York City in 2007. There are currently 30 locations in the United States and 70 more overseas in Brunei, Indonesia, Philippines and Thailand.

Its opening in Dallas in December 2013 was heralded by foodies as a welcome dose of cosmopolitan elan. When it first opened, it was so deluged by customers that it had to close for a week to regroup.

Its chicken was good enough to come out on top in our roundup of chicken tenders. The author described the chicken as a delectable combination of "spicy, chewy and sweet" that made it seem like jerky or candy, and loved the spicy kimchi slaw.

Mike Kim, in charge of franchising for Bonchon, said that the company would not rule out finding another franchise partner to re-open a store in Dallas. "We're just focused on closing this one first," he said.

Early indications of the imminent demise emerged on the restaurant's social media outlets. It stopped updating its Facebook page on July 12, and the Twitter page went quiet on July 4.

A call to the restaurant management was not returned.

UPDATE: Bonchon sent out a release announcing the closure, which will take place on August 15.

"We decided along with the owners of the restaurant that it would be best to close at this point," said franchise manager Mike Kim. "We feel the Bonchon concept might have been premature for the Dallas market, and are currently developing new offerings that might appeal better to the American public in general. We are grateful for the hard work and support of the franchisee, staff and the local community."

Although there are no immediate plans to open another Dallas location, the franchise is open to exploring options in the future.

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Mex-Mex News

Mexican restaurant Vidorra to bring queso and margaritas to Rockwall

Photo courtesy of Vidorra

Tuna at Vidorra.

A popular Dallas-based Mexican restaurant and bar chain is coming to Rockwall: Vidorra, first founded in Deep Ellum, will open a location at 2620 Sunset Rodge Harbor Heights on December 5, just in time for the holidays.

The restaurant is conveniently located off I-30, near the western shores of Lake Ray Hubbard and the popular harbor district, where it will serve authentic Mexican dishes with a modern twist.

That means creative margaritas and Vidorra's signature Queso Blanco served in a 400-degree molcajete bowl – a fan-favorite experience.

Other entrees include street tacos, birria tacos, and sizzling fajitas, plus a top-shelf margarita flight, fruit-infused cocktails, and large-format drinks perfect for sharing.

Vidorra is a part of Milkshake Concepts’ impressive portfolio of influential restaurants, which includes The Finch, Saaya, Harper’s, Serious Pizza, and Serious Eats.

Vidorra, which means “the good life,” has locations in Dallas, Grand Prairie, and Addison. This will the the fourth, notes Milkshake Concepts CEO Imran Sheikh in a statement.

“We want to reach every corner of DFW with ‘the good life,’” Sheikh says. “We’re thrilled with how enthusiastically Vidorra has been embraced by the communities in Dallas, Addison and Grand Prairie, and we can’t wait to begin serving new fans in Rockwall. There’s much more to come across North Texas and beyond – including Grapevine and Nashville, Tennessee which will open in 2025."

The 5400 square-foot Rockwall restaurant boasts traditional Mexican decor and a vibrant atmosphere, in line with the brand’s other locations. The immersive dining area and airy patio perched above Lake Ray Hubbard will be the ideal destination for family-friendly dining, festive happy hours and large gatherings of fun-loving friends and co-workers.

Happy hour runs from Monday-Friday from 3-6 pm, featuring half-off select apps, $4 select beers, $5 select wines and $6 Vidorritas (rocks or frozen). Guests can also enjoy extra specials on Margarita Mondays, with half-priced ritas all day, and Tacos & Tequila Tuesdays, which feature a shot of tequila and two street tacos for just $8 all day.

tex-mex openings