This Week's Hot Headlines

Famed pitmaster's new BBQ joint sears this week's 5 hottest Dallas headlines

Local fans miss The Price Is Right.

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Editor's note: A lot happened this week, so here's your chance to get caught up. Read on for the week's most popular headlines.

1. Famed Dallas pitmaster opens innovative new BBQ spot in Farmers Branch. A new barbecue restaurant featuring a name-brand chef debuted April 4: Crossbuck BBQ, from pitmaster Tim McLaughlin of Lockhart Barbecue fame, opened in Farmers Branch at 4400 Spring Valley Rd. It features a menu that blends barbecue with flavors and traditions from around the globe, with a modern approach to smoking food.

2. Where to see the best bluebonnets in Dallas-Fort Worth and around Texas in spring 2022. A lack of showers brings sluggish spring flowers. And due to drought conditions, our beloved Texas bluebonnets and other wildflowers have gotten a slow start in Dallas-Fort Worth and across much of Texas. But they're finally popping up all over. Here's where to see the best ones right now.

3. Acclaimed Italian restaurant from Dallas' Design District moves downtown. In fantastic news for downtown Dallas and Italian food fans everywhere, it's the much anticipated (and relocated) comeback of Sassetta, which opened at the Joule hotel at 1530 Main St. in downtown Dallas. It debuted on April 8, dinner only at first, with the addition of lunch to follow.

4. Drive-thru drink chain from Utah swigs Dallas area for Texas debut. A drive-thru chain from Utah whose entire focus is drinks is coming to Texas: Called Swig, it describes itself as a one-of-a-kind customizable drink shop, and will make its debut at Fairview Town Center in Fairview on Friday, May 6.

5. DART unveils new D2 subway route through downtown Dallas. There's a new direction from Dallas Area Rapid Transit on the D2 Subway, a second light rail line that will run through downtown Dallas. Approved by the Dallas City Council and DART board of directors, the new route for the downtown subway project avoids crossing under I-345 and instead veers north, avoiding Deep Ellum entirely.

The Ennis Bluebonnet Trails should peak later in April.

Facebook/Ennis Bluebonnet Trails Festival

The Ennis Bluebonnet Trails should peak later in April.

Rolling a strike

High 5 Exchange bowling and entertainment mega-center rolls into Allen

Facebook/High 5 Exchange Austin

The High 5 Exchange in Austin has bowling galore.

A new family entertainment destination is rolling into Allen, bringing bowling, laser tag, miniature golf, virtual reality, and more. Called High 5 Exchange, the venue has broken ground at 2361 Quail Covey Rd. in The Farm in Allen.

It is expected to open in 2027, according to a release.

High 5 Exchange comes from a family entertainment company founded by husband-and-wife team Scott and Jenny Emley. They opened the first location in the Lakeway area of Austin more than a decade ago; a second Austin location followed a few years later.

Their roots are in Austin - Scott Emley played football for UT Austin - but the couple recently relocated to McKinney. There's also a location under construction in Mansfield.

The entertainment mega-center in Allen will combine indoor and outdoor attractions, dining, and rooms for parties and other group events.

Tasty-looking tacos at High 5 in Austin.Facebook/High 5 Exchange Austin

Bowling will be the major draw, with 24 lanes supplied by QubicaAMF. The lineup will include 16 traditional tenpin lanes equipped with EDGE String pinspotters, HyperBowling, and Neoverse, along with eight Fly'n Ducks duckpin lanes, the release says. The combination will give guests the choice between traditional full-length bowling and duckpin bowling, which uses a smaller ball.

"Bowling has a unique ability to bring different generations, interests and skill levels together," said Jody Pastula, director of new business development, U.S., for QubicaAMF, in a statement. "By offering both tenpin and Fly'n Ducks duckpin bowling, High 5 Allen is creating more ways for guests to participate and share the experience. We are pleased to be part of a project designed around connection, variety and repeat visits."

Beyond bowling, High 5 Allen will feature laser tag, a virtual reality arena, an arcade gaming floor, escape rooms, an immersive experience from Creative Works called "Limitless," and outdoor miniature golf. The venue will also have dedicated spaces for birthday parties, corporate gatherings, and private events, along with food and beverage service.

While details on the food and beverage program have not yet been announced, the Austin locations feature a full-service bar and a menu of "American classics with a gourmet twist."

High 5 Exchange Allen Rendering of High 5 Exchange at The Farm in Allen.Rendering courtesy of High 5 Exchange

High 5 Exchange will be part of The Farm in Allen, a 135-acre mixed-use development at the southeast corner of the Sam Rayburn Tollway and Alma Drive. Developed by Allen-based JaRyCo Development in partnership with the Johnson family, The Farm combines residential, office, dining, retail, and entertainment components.

"Allen and the surrounding communities have been part of our vision for this project from the beginning," said Scott Emley, co-founder and CEO of High 5 Exchange, in a statement. "The Farm brings together homes, workplaces, parks, dining and entertainment in a way that fits how people want to connect.

"We are excited to create a place where a family can spend an afternoon, coworkers can gather after work, and friends can celebrate the moments that matter."

entertainment and dining bowling allen