The highly sought-after neighborhoods of Highland Park and University Park are located just three miles north of Dallas’ vibrant city center. The prestigious area is the proud home of Southern Methodist University, Dallas Country Club and Highland Park Village shopping center, a National Historic Landmark now reminiscent of Rodeo Drive.
Hummus News
A fast-casual Mediterranean chain that once had three locations in Dallas has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection: Roti, the Chicago-based chain formerly known as Roti Modern Mediterranean, declared bankruptcy on August 23, stating that it was their best route to stay afloat.
“Our vision to create happier, healthier, and more flavorful lives comes to life by providing our guests with exceptional food experiences—even in the face of current headwinds,” said Roti CEO Justin Seamonds in a statement. “After careful consideration, filing for bankruptcy protection was the best way to address our challenges—including financial performance, rising costs, mixed location performance, and tough market conditions—while staying open and focused on delivering Food For A Full Life to each and every guest.”
Roti was founded in 2006, helping to introduce Mediterranean cuisine to the fast-casual dining scene. It started out as a rotisserie concept before expanding its menu to include Middle-Eastern favorites such as hummus and falafel.
The company made its Dallas debut in 2017, opening a location at the McKinney & Olive building with a menu that included bowls, sandwiches, rice plates, and salads. They offered a customizable build-your-own Chipotle-style menu where you choose a sandwich, salad, or rice plate, and and then toppings, sides, and sauces.
They were not to be confused with Roti Grill, a Dallas Indian restaurant mini-chain which has three locations in the Dallas area including Knox and Victory Park.
Roti opened a second location in Preston Center in 2018, and another at the 2000 Ross building in 2019. But the chain was battered by the pandemic, and the two downtown locations both closed in 2020. Preston Center also closed, but then re-opened in 2021, and was the last surviving location. It closed in spring 2024.
Roti’s follows a trend of recent bankruptcy filings that include Red Lobster and Buca di Beppo.
According to their statement, the company plans to use the bankruptcy filing to seek investors or buyers while reorganizing its finances. They still have locations in Chicago, Minneapolis, and Washington, D.C.
