Free Eats

3 Dallas restaurants throw open doors with free Thanksgiving spread

Thanksgiving brings out the best.

Photo courtesy of Mudhen

Thanksgiving seems to bring out the best in a lot of people. Dallas restaurant people, for sure: For the 2019 holiday, at least three Dallas places are hosting charitable events in which they're feeding people a turkey spread for free.

Kudos to these three do-gooders:

Norma's Cafe
This small home-cooking diner chain has a long-standing tradition of serving a free Thanksgiving meal to all who show up at their Oak Cliff location on 1123 W. Davis St. An all-volunteer staff will serve a feast of holiday favorites, including turkey and dressing with giblet gravy and cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, English peas, salad, rolls, fruit, and dessert.

Norma's owner Ed Murph says in a release that he feels it's important to give back to the community, stating, "we started this tradition with 150 meals 31 years ago, and it has grown to more than 8,000 free meals provided each year to individuals, families, local homeless shelters, and houses of worship."

They're supported by several generous sponsors, including Ben E. Keith, Classic Caps and Embroidery, Centennial Radiator Service, Community Coffee, Evan’s Engraving, Buckhead Beef, Hill Country Dairy, Village Baking Co. and Varidoc Printing.

Guests are encouraged to arrive early, as thousands of meals will be served between 11 am-1 pm.

Slow Bone
Barbecue restaurant will hold its 6th annual "Freebird an Annual Free Thanksgiving Dinner Event," for anyone in need. The meal is targeted to the homeless, first responders, and people throughout the community.

Turkey, BBQ brisket, sausage, and cornbread pudding will be served from 12-4 pm.

At last year's Free Bird event, chef-owner Jeffery Hobbs and his team welcomed and fed more than 1000 people during the four-hour event. The remaining meals were donated to the Austin Street Shelter and The Bridge, both outreach centers for Dallas' homeless populations.

This year, Hobbs anticipates a larger turnout and welcomes anyone who is in need of some holiday cheer. Everyone in need is welcome, no questions asked. See, I'd totally be asking questions, because that's how I am.

Freebird relies on local volunteers and donations from businesses throughout the state as well as substantial contributions from Dallas-based Eatzi's, U.S. Foods, Chef's Produce, and Edward Don. There's also a Go Fund me page set up for anyone who would like to donate.

The Statler Dallas
Hipster downtown Dallas hotel is joining with nonprofit organization Operation Forever Free to host a free Thanksgiving feast for active first responders and civil servants, retired veterans, and their immediate families, to express gratitude for their honorable service.

Operation Forever Free is a nonprofit organization with a mission to improve the quality of life for military servicemen and women and their families in the Dallas/Fort Worth area by providing customized homes.

A traditional Thanksgiving meal with all the trimmings will be served in The Statler's ballroom. Reservations are requested in advance, and complimentary valet is provided. It'll run from 12-3pm.

charity holidays

Craft Beer News

Dallas Stars owner to open beer-centric Craft restaurant in the U.S.

Craft

Food and beer from Craft.

A restaurant concept from Canada is opening its first U.S. location in little old Dallas: Called Craft Restaurant & Beer Market, it's a small chain with an emphasis on craft beer and elevated casual dining opening in Preston Center at 5974 W Northwest Hwy.

That location is a former medical office, across the street from the Starbucks at the corner of Kate Street. According to a release, it will open in in early 2026 — their first in the American market.

The concept was founded in 2019 by craft beer wunderking PJ L'Heureux, who is partnered with Tom Gaglardi, owner of the Dallas Stars and the Moxies chain. It will feature more 100 beers on tap including local Texas brews, along with cocktails, wine, and a fresh, globally inspired menu.

L'Heureux calls Dallas "a natural fit" for Craft.

"Our large restaurant footprint, commitment to local products, and dedication to community are what Texas is all about," L'Heureux says in a statement. "Texas and specifically the Preston area of Dallas, with its booming economy, diverse culture, and love for craft cocktails and beer, is the perfect place for us to begin this exciting new chapter."

Craft will occupy a state-of-the-art, 10,500 square-foot space with a modern yet welcoming interior, featuring warm woods, industrial accents, and a massive 360-degree bar as its center.

The space will also include a 5,250 square-foot rooftop patio with a full bar, booth seating, lush greenery, and a games area — suitable for casual gatherings and special celebrations.

Craft president Scott Frank says that the chain, which has nine locations across Canada and is no relation to the Craft restaurant concept by chef Tom Colicchio, likes to create unique menus and partnerships in each of the communities they are in.

"Craft has always been about bringing people together, and we're thrilled to share our passion for craft beer, exceptional dining, and community building with our friends in the Texas market," L'Heureux says.

Gaglardi previously brought Moxie's Grill & Bar, his glossy Canadian sports-bar restaurant, to Dallas in 2016 — the first in the U.S. He's since opened locations in Plano, Southlake, and Houston.

craft beer openings