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Murder, Mutts and Mercat top 5 most popular stories this week

Editor's note: Another week has come and gone, and there's a lot we all probably missed. But we're looking out for you, kid. Here are the most popular stories from this past week:

1. Arlington police make arrest in murder of Kennedale teacher John Ross Shreves. Patrick Jardell Brooks, 27, was booked into Arlington City Jail on June 13 and is facing a murder charge. The two men were high school classmates and had recently reconnected on Facebook. Shreves' murder was one of four to hit Arlington in less than a week and the only one were an arrest was made.

2. Former TCU student indicted for murder of T. Boone Pickens' grandson. A Tarrant County grand jury has indicted former TCU student Brennan Trainor Rodriguez, 21, in the murder of Ty Pickens, the grandson of billionaire T. Boone Pickens. Ty died of an apparent heroin overdose on January 29. He was 21 years old.

3. Arlington police officer's suicide is latest tragedy to hit city. Officer David Vo, 35, committed suicide on June 11. He was one of three Arlington police officers at the center of an FBI investigation related to steroids and computer fraud. Officer Thomas Kantzos, a 17-year veteran of the force, was fired June 13 after being federally charged.

4. Mutts Cantina set to open in Uptown with hot dogs and dog park. Uptown Dallas gets another hot, happening, groovy spot on June 19 when Mutt's, a restaurant-bar with adjacent dog park, opens across from West Village. Mutts takes over the former Hank Haney Golf Course space and will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner.

5. Mercat French bistro opens in Dallas with a certain je ne sais quoi. Senior editor Teresa Gubbins checked out the new French bistro on June 8 — the restaurant's long-awaited opening night. She calls Mercat the more sophisticated sibling to neighboring Saint Ann and gives the atmosphere and appetizers high marks.

Ty Pickens, 21, died January 29.

Photo via Facebook

Ty Pickens, 21, died January 29.

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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